ABSTRACT
By the end of this chapter you should:
Have read most of The Social Contract through at least twice.
Have understood the nature of the problem Rousseau was attempting to solve.
Have understood the nature of his solution, including the role of the general will, and why individuals should subscribe to the general will.
Have understood the difference between the sovereign authority and the government.
Have understood the difference between negative and positive liberty, and why Rousseau has been taken to be an advocate of positive liberty.
Appreciate there are conflicting interpretations of the scope of the general will.
