more from Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Single Idea 7233

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 2. State Legitimacy / c. Social contract]

Full Idea

The social order is a sacred right which serves as a basis for all other rights; and as it is not a natural right, it must be one founded on covenants.

Clarification

'Covenants' are contracts

Gist of Idea

The social order is a sacred right, but based on covenants, not nature

Source

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], I.1)

Book Reference

Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Social Contract', ed/tr. Cranston,Maurice [Penguin 1972], p.50


A Reaction

I think Rousseau is offering a contradiction here, when he suggests we have a 'sacred' right, which is nevertheless only based on 'covenants'. You can't have it both ways. This is an abuse of the word 'sacred'.