Tom Wood and Gerard Casey discussion the philosopher on whose ideas most modern political theory is based. The “social contract” is modernity’s version of the god-emperor and the divine right of kinds. Debunking social contract theory is fundamental to the advancement of the anarchist position. Listen here.

The ideas of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) have been profoundly influential — and not for the better. We’ll discuss his views on the origins of inequality, the role of the legislator, and the place of the individual in political society. Not an episode to skip, trust me.

About the Guest

Gerard Casey is professor emeritus of philosophy at University College, Dublin, where he served as department head. He is an associated scholar of the Mises Institute.