TOW #22 - Social Contract Theory Rhetorical Text

  

Jean-Jacques Rousseau - “The Origin of Civil Society”

During the early 18th century, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and a few others lead what is now referred to as the Age of Enlightenment. He was a French philosopher who offered the world with a new perspective on society and how it is governed. His most famous philosophy is on the social contract theory and the freedom of the natural man. Rousseau effectively persuades his readers into agreement in his book "The Origin of Civil Society" through his use of comparisons and hypophoras.

Throughout his arguement, Rousseau stresses the importance of natural societal order and how most forms of society today obstruct it. In order to open up the eyes of his readers to this societal issue, he compares family to the state. He states "Children remain bound to their father for only just as long as they feel the need of him for their self-preservation. Once that need ceases the natural bond is dissolved" (59). Likewise, the natural order of society should be that people live protected my the government until they reach Independence. This give and take of paternal love is natural; However, in the state "the pleasure of commanding others takes its place, since the ruler is not in a relation of love to his people. Political power is (hardly) ever exercised in the interests of the governed" (60). Rousseau's technique of comparing family with the state was very effective, because it made it more apparent on how the two were similar; the children are like the people and the father is the head of the state. In highlighting the benefits of natural societal order and comparing it to the unnatural way of government, Rousseau persuades his audience of the benefits of the social contract theory.

In addition to comparisons, Rousseau's use of hypophoras allows him to emphasize the significance of his purpose and persuade his readers to support his social contract theory. He presents many rhetorical questions to his readers that make them see logic behind his theory. In his "Of Slavery" section, he proves that slavery is unjustifiable and inhumane. If a man wanted to become a slave to another he would be selling himself. But, an entire race of people do not spontaneously agree to such conduct. Rousseau then asks, "but why should a whole people sell themselves?" (63). This makes the reader think about the ugly truth behind slavery, as well as realize that the oppressed have their own wills as well. He also presents a very logical argument that all people, regardless of race, are born with total freedom and no one can take that away from them. The government during this time does not respect that, however with his social contract theory they would be a step closer to achieving it.

In combatting the issue of tyranny and corrupt government, Jean -Jacques Rousseau argues against the total power of the monarchy. He believes that the power to legislate lies within the people, and it is under their natural right to freedom. To convince his readers of this argument, he uses comparisons and hypophoras.  To him, That a more natural way of societal order is necessary.