• state of nature: human nature = self preservation
  • family = natural state
  • ppl only participate in family for own interest
• modern world is too complex - isn't a state of nature any more.
• self preservation still remains.
• the way ppl self preserve is to engage in group activity - mutual benefit is ensured
  • benefits are same for all
  • by decreasing someone else's benefits ur decreasing ur own
  • therefore no interest in decreasing benefits of others
  • acts with collective will bc all will must be the same
• this group becomes a moral governing body
  • called the "Republic"
  • its members are "citizens" or "the people"
• because the group acts with a common will, it will not act in a way that goes against the will of the people.

notes

• hard to explain - rousseau is suuuuper deontological
• unrealistic too. factually, people can self preserve without group action
• also not everone needs same benefits - what if ppls benefits directly conflict