Chapter 17
The romantic era influenced many of the changes throughout Europe and America alike. From political structure, social concerns, and artistic prospective, Romanticism reflected through them all. During a time when individualism came to the forefront, a social and political philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau published a book On Social Contract. In this book he attempts to argue that a state becomes legitimate through its members freedom to enact their own laws and with this they yield their obedience to the state.
As I read this passage I could not help but relate to the current nature of our present-day American contract to Rousseau's belief . Although the European social contract differs from our beliefs here in America, we believe in the concept that our society shares a mutual obligation between itself and the individuals who make up this country. On the same note I feel society faces radical change with many aspects of our American contract. Such obligations include government based programs to assist those in need to prevent any member of society hardship. In turn, it is the obligation of the individual to utilize this assistance only until they are able to return to self-efficiency. Unfortunately it does not work as effective as it is intended to. Many of these people fail to realize they have no regard for this social compact. The romantic era influenced many of the changes throughout Europe and America alike. From political structure, social concerns, and artistic prospective, Romanticism reflected through them all. During a time when individualism came to the forefront, a social and political philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau published a book On Social Contract. In this book he attempts to argue that a state becomes legitimate through its members freedom to enact their own laws and with this they yield their obedience to the state.
Many of the social issues we face in this country can be interpreted through the principles Rousseau published in 1762. In Chapter 6 of the Social Contract he writes, "The problem is to find a form of association which will defend and protect with the whole common force the person and the goods of each associate, and in which each, while uniting himself with all, may still obey himself alone, and remain as free as before."
I understand many of the principles published by Rousseau, but I feel as it did in the Romantic era, we are currently in a time of radical change, especially here in America. In a country made up of numerous cultures I find it difficult for a complex system to assume it will not have the emotional, and religious influences and that we will proceed with our version of the American contract. Will we someday have a modern day philosopher guide our society into new social principles as did Rousseau in the era of Romanticism?
Written By: Gabriel DeSequeira
I really like this post. I find that this post is very informative. You start with a broad topic and do a very nice job of bringing it into a more narrow and detailed topic. In your post you state, “On the same note I feel society faces radical change with many aspects of our American contract. Such obligations include government based programs to assist those in need to prevent any member of society hardship. In turn, it is the obligation of the individual to utilize this assistance only until they are able to return to self-efficiency. Unfortunately it does not work as effective as it is intended to. Many of these people fail to realize they have no regard for this social compact.” This is a very strong and well worded statement that truly implies your personal opinion. Also, I am happy to say that I agree with your personal views making this post very enjoyable for me to read.
ReplyDeleteNow on to the blog enhancements, I really like the video and thought it was a nice choice. This post could have used at least one more picture. All in all you did a very well done post.
Team 2: Alysa DeNisco
Gabriel, I think this was the most interesting blog post that I have read. You kept me captivated from the first sentence. I believe that Rousseau’s main argument in On Social Contract could possibly make an ideal society, as long as everyone was in it for the greater good of the people and the state. I completely agree with your first point on our social programs. I believe these programs are used to help those who are struggling, but many people disregard this social contract to their state and fellow Americans and take advantage of it. I would have liked for you to have maybe used one more comparison, but overall, this blog was beautifully written. As Americans, we can only hope that one day we will have a “modern day philosopher guide our society into new social principles as did Rousseau in the era of Romanticism.”
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