Discussion: Political Representation
Rousseau considers representation and voting in Book III, Chapter XV and Book IV, Chapter II. Discuss your understanding of political representation in light of Rousseau's explanation of it.
- Should representatives always carry out the wishes of their voters? When (if ever) might it be good representation to decide an issue contrary to what the voters think?
- People often complain about "gridlock" or "stalemate" in congress. What are the arguments for disagreement/debate in politics? Does Rousseau see any benefit in such disagreement?
Discussion: Material and Money in History
Marx's theory of history is described as "materialist." Consider the relative importance of material and money in history.
- What role does material play in the development of society? Should it play a greater or lesser role? Why?
- Can human development and interaction be exclusively explained in material terms, or not? Why, or why not?