Rousseau - Popular Sovereignty and General Will - Lecture 5

Explore Jean-Jacques Rousseau's influential ideas on popular sovereignty and the general will in this 40-minute lecture from Yale University's "Foundations of Modern Social Thought" course. Delve into Rousseau's colorful life, his relationships with key Enlightenment figures, and his profound impact on the French Revolution. Examine his controversial concepts of universal suffrage, consent of the governed, and the need for a popularly elected legislature. Analyze the complex notion of the general will and its implications for social and political thought. Discover how Rousseau's ideas have been embraced by both liberal thinkers and totalitarian regimes. The lecture covers Rousseau's historical context, major works, lasting legacy, and key themes from "The Social Contract," including legitimate rule, popular sovereignty, and the role of law and lawmakers.