Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Discourse on Political Economy and The Social Contract, translated and annotated by Christopher Betts, offers a powerful exploration of sovereignty, civic duty, and economic governance. First, Rousseau addresses the balance between individual interests and societal welfare in his Discourse on Political Economy. He then presents his seminal arguments in The Social Contract, including the foundational concept of the “general will” and the idea that legitimate authority arises only when individuals freely submit to collective rules. Betts’s clear translation, insightful introduction, and scholarly notes make this Oxford World’s Classics volume both accessible and thought‑provoking for students, philosophy enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the roots of democratic thought.
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About the Author
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) was a towering figure of the Enlightenment, whose work profoundly influenced political philosophy, education, and literature. His ideas on liberty, equality, and the social contract shaped modern democracy and inspired both the American and French Revolutions. Rousseau’s radical vision of human nature and civil society remains essential reading for anyone exploring the foundations of modern political thought.
Christopher Betts is a renowned scholar in political philosophy and French studies, serving as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Warwick. He brings clarity and context to Rousseau’s profound texts through his acclaimed English translation and introduction. Betts combines academic rigor with readability, making complex ideas approachable for both specialists and general readers.
