Summary of LA FILOSOFÍA DE ROUSSEAU 2/2

00:00:00 - 00:05:00

Rousseau's philosophy on the state originated from the conflict between the rich and the poor. He believed that a social contract could help to eliminate this conflict and maintain a more equal society. However, he was skeptical of private property and warned that a society with great wealth disparities could be a continual threat to equality and political liberty.

• 00:00:00 This video discusses the philosophy of Rousseau, who believed that the state originated from the conflict between rich and poor. Even though the powerful had power over the poor, conflict and insecurity were widespread due to the unlimited ambition of the rich and the envy of the poor. To eliminate the conflict of insecurity and maintain the advantageous situation of the rich, they proposed a social contract. This new pact, which Rousseau proposes, requires that the contractees be in similar conditions. It is supposed that between them, there will be no great wealth differences that could be perverted and distort their proper and just decisions. Rousseau is skeptical of private property, but does not forbid it altogether. He warns us that a society with great wealth disparities is a continual threat to equality and political liberty. In the past, this was the main cause of the illegitimate and unjust social contract. In any future time, a just society could be the cause of its own downfall due to the fact that it does not protect the common good, but the privilege of the rich and powerful. The reason for this is clear- the unequal rich in fortune soon diverge from the general will and want to become equally wealthy when in fact they should be striving for greater equality in relation to law, while also promoting envy
• 00:05:00 The video discusses the idea of the "legislator" in a society where the power of the state is corrupt. The legislator should be someone who is above the passions and interests of the people, has great intelligence, and is able to reason to convince others. If this is not possible, he or she may appeal to God to persuade the most reluctant. This system of governance ensures freedom for the people, as obeying a just law is an expression of the general will and everyone is subject to it to a certain degree. This system of governance is similar to the one proposed by Rousseau in his book The Social Contract.