In:
The Review of Politics, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 32, No. 2 ( 1970-04), p. 191-196
Abstract:
Rousseau's injection of the human element onto the austere scene of politics drawn in Du Contrat Social comes as a surprise. This element, personified by the legislator in Chapter 7 of Book II, serves two purposes. It dramatizes the political forces in Rousseau's scheme for not the most perfect, but perhaps the best attainable, regime. As the contemporary condition of civic slavery called for radical reform, that is, a regeneration, man must reassure himself that the birth of a good order is possible by delving back to the foundation of government. In doing so man might also learn something about how and why it takes place. The second reason for introducing the legislator relates to the vital threefold functions he performs as the eyes, brain and motive force of the people.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0034-6705
,
1748-6858
DOI:
10.1017/S0034670500013620
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
1970
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2066971-9
detail.hit.zdb_id:
209904-4
SSG:
3,6
