'Man was born free,and everywhere he is in chains.'These are the famous opening words of a treatise that has stirred vigorous debate ever since its first publication in 1762. Rejecting the view that anyone has a natural right to wield authority over others,Rousseau argues instead for a pact,or'social contract',that should exist between all the citizens of a state and that should be the source of sovereign power. From this fundamental premise,he goes on to consider issues of liberty and law,freedom and justice,arriving at a view of society that has seemed to some a blueprint for totalitarianism,to others a declaration of democratic principles.Translated by Quintin HoareWith a new introduction by Christopher Bertram
Publisher: Penguin Books LtdISBN: 9780141191751Number of pages: 400Weight: 292 gDimensions: 198 x 129 x 23 mm
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