Philosophy by the Book

ROUSSEAU, Jean-Jacques (1712-1778)
Du contrat social, ou, Principes du droit politique.
A Paris: Chez Cazin, 1791.

This work is regarded as Rousseau's most important work in political theory. First published in 1762, The Social Contract deals not so much with political structures, but with the nature of justice and legitimacy. Arguably its most distinctive doctrine is the notion of the 'general will', the voluntary subjection of each individual's interests to those of the political community.