Analysing 'The Social Contract' by Rousseau
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse Rousseau's idea of the social contract and how it relates to freedom and the general will.
Key learning points
- Rousseau's main work was called 'The Social Contract.
- This sets out his beliefs about human goodness and how society should be run.
- He argues that people are free when governed by their own laws, serving the interest of the greater good.
- Rousseau believed in elected officials carrying out the will of the people.
- We can use critical thinking to analyse Rousseau’s idea of a social contract.
Keywords
Elected officials - according to Rousseau, individuals chosen by the people to implement the general will
The general will - the collective will of the people, focused on what is best for society as a whole, and not individual desires
'The Social Contract' - Rousseau's 1762 book and idea that individuals must give up some freedoms to form a just society, with laws reflecting the common good
Common misconception
Rousseau’s social contract is an actual written agreement signed by people.
The social contract is a philosophical concept, not a real document, representing an idea about how societies are formed and governed.
Teacher tip
Organise a debate between students on whether when we live in a society or groups, we form unwritten agreements about how to live together.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the disciplinary keywords to the correct definition.
a set of attitudes, beliefs and practices
the scientific study of the mind and behaviour
the study of questions about existence, knowledge, and values
Q2.Match the keywords below to the correct definitions.
how someone acts, the things they do
an acceptance that something is true without having to have proof
being part of something bigger than yourself
Q3.Which part of the brain processes speech, memories and emotions?
Q4.Which of the following statements are true?
Q5.Which statement provides a reason why religion could be seen as a result of human nature?
Q6.Which statement provides a reason why religion could be seen as a result of human nurture?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords below to the correct definitions.
individuals chosen by the people to implement the general will
the collective will of the people, focused on what is best for society
the idea that people must give up some freedoms for a just society
Q2.Which of the following statements is true?
Q3.Which of the below is a strength of Rousseau’s social contract and general will theories?
Q4.Which of the following is a weakness of Rousseau’s social contract and general will theories?
Q5.Which of the following statements best explain Rousseau’s view on the role of elected officials?
To help you plan your 8 religious education lesson on: Analysing 'The Social Contract' by Rousseau, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 religious education lesson on: Analysing 'The Social Contract' by Rousseau, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Religion and politics in the Enlightenment: How were they aligned? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.