Locke vs Rousseau (Social Contract Philosophers Compared)

Summary

In this video, Tom Ritchie compares the political philosophies of John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, focusing on their differing views of the social contract, freedom, and human nature. Locke, a foundational figure in the Enlightenment, advocates for individual rights, especially property, and a government that protects these rights. Rousseau, in contrast, promotes direct democracy and the collective will, believing that human virtue is corrupted by society. The video explores their key similarities, such as rejecting divine right monarchy, and contrasts their theories on government, equality, and freedom, highlighting their lasting influence on modern political thought.

Takeaways

• 😀 Locke and Rousseau are key social contract theorists, with Locke being influential in shaping the Enlightenment and Rousseau as an outlier with differing views.
• 😀 Locke's theories set the stage for the Enlightenment, and his ideas were crucial in shaping modern democratic governments, especially in the U.S.
• 😀 Rousseau's ideas influenced the French Revolution, particularly in its radical phase, with his focus on direct democracy and the general will of the people.
• 😀 Both Locke and Rousseau reject divine right monarchy, agreeing with Hobbes that governments are formed through a social contract, but with different views on human nature and government legitimacy.
• 😀 Locke and Rousseau believe people do not inherently want to destroy each other, unlike Hobbes, and that governments should protect sovereignty and natural rights.
• 😀 Locke's philosophy is based on 'tabula rasa' (the idea that humans are born as a blank slate and shaped by experiences), while Rousseau believes humans have inherent virtue and compassion.
• 😀 The definition of freedom is a major difference: Locke sees freedom as the ability to make choices, while Rousseau sees it as overcoming instinct and achieving reasoned self-control.
• 😀 Locke believes that private property existed in the state of nature, which leads to inequality, while Rousseau believes private property was created by the social contract and contributes to inequality.
• 😀 Locke’s version of the social contract aims to protect natural rights (life, liberty, property), whereas Rousseau’s focuses on creating a government that reflects the general will and represents the people as a whole.
• 😀 Locke advocates for a system of government that follows a specific contract and rules, while Rousseau supports a government that continuously reflects the will of the majority through direct democracy.

Q & A

What is the main difference between Locke's and Rousseau's views on human nature?

Locke believed that humans are born as a 'blank slate' (tabula rasa), shaped by their experiences. In contrast, Rousseau argued that humans have an inherent virtue, particularly compassion, and were originally peaceful in the state of nature before the introduction of private property.

How did Locke's philosophy influence the Enlightenment?

John Locke is often considered a precursor to the Enlightenment. Though technically not part of the 18th-century movement, his ideas on natural rights and government by consent laid the foundation for later Enlightenment thinkers who frequently quoted him.

What role does property play in Locke's and Rousseau's social contract theories?

For Locke, private property existed in the state of nature, and its protection is the primary role of government. Rousseau, however, believed that private property did not exist in the state of nature and saw it as the root cause of inequality, which the social contract should address.

How do Locke and Rousseau differ in their definitions of freedom?

Locke defines freedom as the ability to make choices and act according to one's will. Rousseau, however, defines freedom as the ability to rise above one's instincts and act in accordance with the 'general will' of society, emphasizing collective rather than individual choice.

What does Rousseau mean by the 'general will'?

Rousseau’s 'general will' refers to the collective will of the people, which represents the common good. He believed that a legitimate government must enact policies that reflect this will, even if it means limiting individual freedoms for the greater societal harmony.

How does Locke's view on government legitimacy differ from Rousseau's?

Locke believes that government legitimacy comes from adhering to a social contract that protects natural rights (life, liberty, property). Rousseau, on the other hand, argues that government legitimacy depends on the government acting according to the 'general will' of the people, prioritizing the collective good over individual rights.

What does Locke believe is the primary function of government?

Locke believes the primary function of government is to protect the natural rights of its citizens—namely, life, liberty, and property. The government's role is to ensure these rights are upheld and not violated.

Why is Rousseau considered an advocate for radical democracy?

Rousseau is considered an advocate for radical democracy because he argued for direct participation by the people in government decisions. He believed that the people should continually be consulted to ensure the general will is represented, even through direct votes or initiatives.

What is the key difference between Locke’s individualism and Rousseau’s collectivism in the social contract?

Locke’s social contract is individualistic, where individuals give up specific freedoms in exchange for the protection of their rights. Rousseau’s social contract, however, emphasizes the collective will, where individuals submit to the general will for the sake of social harmony and freedom.

How did Rousseau’s ideas influence the French Revolution?

Rousseau’s ideas, particularly those in his work 'The Social Contract,' played a significant role in the French Revolution, especially during its radical phase. His emphasis on the general will and collective decision-making influenced revolutionary actions, including the Reign of Terror, as revolutionaries sought to establish a government based on Rousseau’s principles.