One of the more interesting political philosophers was Rousseau. Rousseau argued that individuals are born free, autonomous and naturally virtuous. However, Rousseau further argued that civil society perverts humanities virtuous nature into selfishness, pride and the delight in the suffering of others.
Consequently, Rousseau also argued that Government is needed to enforce laws concerning private property. At the risk of oversimplification, Rousseau argued that should the individual be capable of living an isolated existence then he would have no inclination toward the abuse of others, stealing, lying, the abuse of power, etc. However, the individual cannot live in isolation and therefore sees the possessions of his neighbor, abuses his power against his neighbor and his otherwise virtuous character is corrupted so to speak.
Whereas other philosophers spoke of the Social Contract, Rousseau spoke of the "General Will" and defined this Will as what I and all others in society want for ourselves. This is the determining factor regarding the establishing of the laws of the land. Rousseau that in the establishing of the General Will or Social Contract the individual will develop his or her natural virtuousness and civility.
Also and interestingly Rousseau argued a persons obeys the laws not because of some external force whether that force be God or the state but primarily because I "choose" to impose a particular law or set of laws upon himself. In addition, the individual chooses to impose the law upon himself in the interests of the common good of society.
Rousseau's political philosophy is not without it weaknesses however. For instance, Rousseau seems to have an overly optimistic view of human nature. His idea that individuals are born free, autonomous and naturally virtuous seems to be somewhat naive. In addition and as with other philosophers, his understanding of the majority rule or the General Will and the willingness of individuals to agree to the Social Contract in which they willingly forego personal rights in the interests of society as a whole may also be somewhat naive.
