Contrato social como pressuposto para uma sociedade justa em Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Abstract

Research subordinated to the theme “Social Contract as a Presupposition for a Just Society in Jean-Jacques Rousseau”. This research seeks to answer the following question: How can the reconstruction of political assumptions contribute to the existence of a just society? The work is divided into three parts. In the first part, the factors that led to the emergence of the social contract are contextualized, such as: the Enlightenment, the socio-economic and political conditions of France (17th century), and contractualism. In the second part, it is explained that the social contract and political power, after the transition from the State of Nature to the civil state, result from an agreement among the members of society, recognizing the authority, equally over all, of a set of rules and a government. However, it cannot be forgotten that the citizen loses natural freedom and unlimited rights through the social contract, but gains civil freedom and property. The State is concerned with ensuring that each citizen obeys the law, as a way to guarantee social harmony. The general will has the common good as its object, and no other particular interest. Sovereignty is the exercise of absolute power directed by the general will, absolute power given by the body politic/social through the social pact. Thus, it is also described that the signs of good governance of a just society are against corruption, fraudulent elections, dictatorship, and political intolerance. In the third part, the assumptions of a just society and social harmony are discussed. Justice has to do with the application of norms, laws, and rules to guarantee equity, transparency, equality, and social order. A just society is transparent and does not identify with acts that affect social harmony, such as social inequality, tyranny, social exclusion, lack of access to quality healthcare and education, and other social problems. Social harmony has to do with the state of balance and cooperation between rulers and citizens of a society