Who wrote "The Social Contract" advocating for political philosophy?

"The Social Contract," published in 1762, is a foundational text in political philosophy that was authored by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In this work, Rousseau explores the idea of the social contract as an agreement among individuals to form a society and establish a government that reflects the collective will of the people. He argues that legitimate political authority arises from a social contract, where individuals come together to agree on the rules and norms governing their community. This concept emphasizes the importance of freedom, equality, and direct democracy, positioning it as a response to the inequalities and political structures of his time.

Rousseau's ideas significantly influenced contemporary political thought, promoting notions of popular sovereignty and the belief that governmental power should be derived from the consent of the governed. His advocacy for direct involvement of citizens in political decision-making stands in contrast to the views of his contemporaries, making his work pivotal in shaping modern democratic theory. The focus of "The Social Contract" on the relationship between individuals and the state, and the moral implications of their collective agreement, marks it as a critical text in understanding the evolution of political philosophy.