Which philosopher wrote The Social Contract, arguing that people are born good but environment and education can corrupt them?

Which philosopher wrote The Social Contract, arguing that people are born good but environment and education can corrupt them?

• A. Voltaire
• B. Descartes
• C. Jean-Jacques Rousseau
• D. John Locke

Answer: (C)

Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote The Social Contract. He argued that people are born good, in a natural state of equality, often described through the idea of the noble savage. But society, with its institutions and education, can corrupt that goodness. In his view, legitimate political authority comes from the general will of the people, and true freedom means obeying laws that we have a hand in creating for the common good. That combination of a benevolent human starting point and the shaping power of society is why this author fits the description. Voltaire, Descartes, and John Locke aren’t the ones behind The Social Contract or this particular claim about human nature; they’re associated with different works and ideas. Voltaire focused on civil liberties and critique of intolerance, Descartes on rationalism and doubt, and Locke on natural rights and government by consent in a different framing.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote The Social Contract. He argued that people are born good, in a natural state of equality, often described through the idea of the noble savage. But society, with its institutions and education, can corrupt that goodness. In his view, legitimate political authority comes from the general will of the people, and true freedom means obeying laws that we have a hand in creating for the common good. That combination of a benevolent human starting point and the shaping power of society is why this author fits the description. Voltaire, Descartes, and John Locke aren’t the ones behind The Social Contract or this particular claim about human nature; they’re associated with different works and ideas. Voltaire focused on civil liberties and critique of intolerance, Descartes on rationalism and doubt, and Locke on natural rights and government by consent in a different framing.