UGC NET DEC 2026| Rousseau's Political thought | Western political thought | Political science

Jean-Jacques Rousseau | Western Political Thought | State of Nature, Inequality & Social Contract Why did Rousseau question the idea that progress in science, arts and civilization necessarily leads to moral progress? How did human beings move from a relatively independent state of nature to a society marked by property, dependence and inequality? And most importantly—how can political authority and individual freedom coexist? In this lecture, we understand Rousseau as a complete story rather than a collection of isolated concepts. Starting with his conception of human nature and the State of Nature, we trace the development of social interaction, amour de soi, amour-propre, perfectibility, division of labour, private property, inequality and political institutions. We then connect this discussion with Rousseau’s Social Contract, General Will, Popular Sovereignty and the relationship between Freedom and Authority. 📚 Topics covered: • Rousseau and the Enlightenment • State of Nature • Human Nature: Self-Preservation & Pity • Rousseau vs Hobbes • Amour de Soi & Amour-Propre • Perfectibility • Development of Social Relations • Agriculture, Metallurgy & Division of Labour • Private Property & Origin of Inequality • Rich–Poor distinction and Political Institutions • Second Discourse on Inequality • The Social Contract • General Will • Popular Sovereignty • Freedom & Political Authority 🎯 Useful for: UGC NET Political Science | CUET PG Political Science | CUET UG | UPSC/PCS Political Science | University Exams | Western Political Thought At Civika by Chhavi, the aim is simple: making Political Science conceptually clear without taking away its academic depth. If this lecture helps you understand Rousseau, Like, Subscribe and share it with a Political Science student who finds Western Political Thought difficult. ❤️ #exam #ugcnet #cuet #cuetpg #upsc #lecture #polticalscience #rousseau #civikabychhavi