Rousseau, Rio, and the Green Economy

Carlos Lopes

doi:10.23925/1806-9029.2018v30i2p5-21

Abstract

The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau emerges as the most compelling and seminal piece of political theory. It explores legitimate political order in the context of classical republicanism. This paper delves into the following questions around Rousseau’s thesis: What would Rousseau make of the contemporary multilateralist surveillance regime, gridlocked in key areas that have direct links with human security? How would he square with a society that seems to be at odds with the nature– society equilibrium that he staunchly advocated for? Will Rousseau be able to lift today’s generation out of the collective myopia that focuses on individualism as the gateway to a prosperous future?

Highlights

JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU emerges as the principal source of knowledge for 19th century philosophy
In the 1760s, Rousseau’s influence on education, sexuality, politics, and the self were brought into sharp focus in four of his most compelling literary pieces: The Social Contract, Emile, Julie, and The Confessions
What would Rousseau make of the contemporary multilateralist surveillance regime, gridlocked in key areas that have direct links with human security? How would he square with a society that seems to be at odds with the nature–society equilibrium that he staunchly advocated for? Will Rousseau be able to lift today’s generation out of the collective myopia that focuses on individualism as the gateway to a prosperous future?

Summary

Introduction

JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU emerges as the principal source of knowledge for 19th century philosophy. The article will present arguments for a parallel reading of Rousseau’s principles of the Social Contract in a post-1992 Rio Earth Summit world. The article shall point to the fact that both Rousseau’s principles and those of the two Rio Summits are essentially about change and that both argue for an institutional regime — a regime to uphold change through rules, social justice, and freedom.

Results

Conclusion