this article explores the concept of civil religion from the perspective of jean-jacques rousseau. it starts with a discussion of the essence of sovereignty as the implementation of general will, which, the author explains, is manifested in the obedience of the laws. the article then discusses the way in which, in rousseau’s view, institutional mechanisms work and thereupon explores how he envi...

jean-jacques rousseau, écrivain illustre et philosophe révolutionnaire de l’âge des lumières, a recouru pendant les dernières années de sa vie à l’écriture des ouvrages autobiographiques. il y refléta le véritable portrait de soi-même grâce à une mémoire encombrée de souvenirs tumultueux. son œuvre autobiographique qui comprend les confessions, les dialogues et les rêveries du promeneur solitai...

This article explores the concept of civil religion from the perspective of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It starts with a discussion of the essence of sovereignty as the implementation of general will, which, the author explains, is manifested in the obedience of the laws. The article then discusses the way in which, in Rousseau’s view, institutional mechanisms work and thereupon explores how he envi...

Introduction Both Edmund Burke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau can be grouped among the key thinkers of the eighteenth century. They are widely understood to be quite different from one another, and their outlooks—especially their political-philosophical views—are often contrasted by scholars. Among those who have profitably contrasted Burke with Rousseau is the early twentieth century literary schol...