QuestionMay 19, 2026

2. COMPARE AND CONTRAST How did Jean -Jacques Rousseau's social contract differ from John Locke's?

2. COMPARE AND CONTRAST How did Jean -Jacques Rousseau's social contract differ from John Locke's?
2. COMPARE AND CONTRAST How did Jean -Jacques
Rousseau's social contract differ from John Locke's?

Solution
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Answer

Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s social contract focused on the idea that legitimate authority comes from the “general will” of the people, which represents the collective interests of the community—even if it overrides individual preferences. In contrast, John Locke’s social contract emphasized that government exists to protect individuals’ natural rights—life, liberty, and property—and its power should be limited. While Rousseau prioritized communal decision-making and unity, Locke prioritized individual rights and checks on governmental power. Explanation This is a short answer question that asks for a comparison and contrast of two philosophers’ ideas. Rousseau emphasized collective sovereignty and the general will, while Locke stressed natural rights, limited government, and consent of the governed as protection for individual freedoms.

Explanation

This is a short answer question that asks for a comparison and contrast of two philosophers’ ideas. Rousseau emphasized collective sovereignty and the general will, while Locke stressed natural rights, limited government, and consent of the governed as protection for individual freedoms.
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