Comprehensive Study Notes on Sovereignty and Social Contracts in Philosophy

Introduction

  • Stefan Dolgert begins with personal anecdotes involving snow shoveling and usage of a snowblower.

  • He expresses disappointment at not being able to deliver an opening joke in person.

Humorous Reference

  • Dolgert makes a light-hearted comparison between Jean Jacques Rousseau and actor Kevin Kline, suggesting a resemblance.

  • This comparison serves to illustrate Dolgert's whimsical approach in engaging his audience.

Sovereignty and Social Contracts

  • The presentation focuses on sovereignty as discussed by Rousseau in the context of social contracts.

  • Dolgert highlights the importance of social contracts in the framework of representative government.

Mention of the Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace

  • Dolgert notes the significance of the Great Law of Peace, comparing it to other social contracts discussed.

  • He mentions that there is no current reading available on this document but encourages students to engage with it for extra credit opportunities.

  • Future editions of the textbook may include this document.

Importance of the Great Law of Peace

  • Acknowledges the Great Law of Peace as an important foundational document.

  • Establishes a comparison with Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, pointing out colonial perspectives.

  • Critics argue that Hobbes and Locke viewed North America, prior to colonial interaction, as 'terra nullius' or unoccupied land, failing to recognize the complex governance structures of indigenous nations.

    • The Great Law of Peace is highlighted as evidence of the sophistication in governance among Native American nations.

Key Features of the Great Law of Peace

  • The Great Law served the Five (later Six) Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, reflecting a complex governance structure:

    • Confederal Structure: Power is divided among member nations and a federal level, ensuring internal governance within each nation.

    • Deliberative Processes: Deliberation occurs at multiple levels, both among individual nations and at the federal level.

    • Separation of Powers: Distinct roles and deliberation processes exist between male and female assemblies, which maintain checks and balances on leadership.

    • Constitutional Convention: A convening every five years to evaluate and potentially amend the Constitution under the Great Law.

    • Intergenerational Justice: Accountability and consideration for the impact of decisions on future generations, reflecting an ethical commitment to sustainability.

Comparisons and Contrasts with Hobbes and Rousseau

  • Dolgert emphasizes that Hobbes would view the Great Law of Peace's separation of powers as leading to anarchy and civil war.

  • Contrasts are highlighted:

    • Hobbes' fears of factionalism versus the Great Law's successful long-term governance without civil war.

    • Federal and separation of powers align more closely with modern systems, including the U.S. Constitution.

  • While Rousseau would appreciate the popular sovereignty aspect, he may reject the federal structure.

    • The Great Law ultimately aligns with Rousseau's perspective on collective governance through voting assemblies.

Influence on the U.S. Constitution

  • Dolgert mentions Ben Franklin's 1754 Albany Plan of Union, which allegedly took inspiration from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

  • Some features of this indigenous governance model were integrated into the articles of confederation in early American government, this connection is not widely recognized.

Introduction to Jean-Jacques Rousseau

  • Rousseau is introduced by comparing him to modern sports figures known for provoking debate and offering fresh perspectives.

  • His writing style is characterized by provocative language that challenges common assumptions, similar to those used by popular media figures.

Rousseau's Philosophical Contributions

  • In the First Discourse (Discourse on Arts and Sciences), Rousseau poses the question of whether civilization improves humanity.

  • His argument critiques modern civilization for moving humanity away from its natural equality and freedom.

  • Rousseau posits that true equality and moral freedom arise in social contracts, allowing people to engage in collective decision-making supplemented by reason rather than instinct.

Conclusion

  • The lecture concludes with Dolgert wrapping up his thoughts and referencing upcoming midterm questions to prepare students for assessments.