according to Rousseau, individuals chosen by the people to implement the general will

the collective will of the people, focused on what is best for society as a whole, and not individual desires

Rousseau's 1762 book and idea that individuals must give up some freedoms to form a just society, with laws reflecting the common good

Analysing 'The Social Contract' by Rousseau

Religious education

In this unit there is a choice. Through a social science lens, pupils consider how psychologists analyse the phenomenon of religion. Or they may study the flowering of philosophy at the time of the Enlightenment through a depth study of Hobbes and Rousseau and their ideas of religion and society.

Psychology of religion or Religion and political philosophy

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

Match the keywords below to the correct definitions.

Rousseau’s social contract is an actual written agreement signed by people.

The social contract is a philosophical concept, not a real document.

All governments stick to the social contract.

Which of the following statements is true?

it is easy to work out what will benefit people in the long-run

Which of the below is a strength of Rousseau’s social contract and general will theories?

people have different needs so there will be resentment

Which of the following is a weakness of Rousseau’s social contract and general will theories?

they must only focus on the majority vote, regardless of the common good

they should represent the general will and act for the common good

they must follow the law and serve at the will of the people

they should ignore laws that conflict with their personal interests

Which of the following statements best explain Rousseau’s view on the role of elected officials?

a set of attitudes, beliefs and practices

the scientific study of the mind and behaviour

the study of questions about existence, knowledge, and values

Match the disciplinary keywords to the correct definition.

an acceptance that something is true without having to have proof

being part of something bigger than yourself

Which part of the brain processes speech, memories and emotions?

There is a gene or section of the brain responsible for religious belief.

Genetics and the brain may play a significant part in religious belief.

Nobody has ever studied the link between the brain and belief.

Which of the following statements are true?

a religious upbringing can encourage children to be part of a religion

there are a huge variety of religions across the world

humans naturally ask big questions about life, which religions can answer

there are some people who aren't religious at all

Which statement provides a reason why religion could be seen as a result of human nature?

humans have evolved to accept religious ideas

humans naturally ask big questions, which religions can answer

every human culture has some aspects of religion within it

there is a huge variety in religious beliefs across the world

Which statement provides a reason why religion could be seen as a result of human nurture?

Starter Quiz