In an essay of 1200 words, consider the following two questions:1. How are ‘force’, ‘right’ and ‘freedom’ related in Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s philosophy?2. How might these same concepts be used in the interpretation of Jacques-Louis David’s painting The De
...h to necessitate improvement. Instead Rousseau described man as ‘a stupid, limited being’ (Block 3, p. 112). Therefore by acquiring reason, Rousseau argues, man becomes an ‘intelligent being’ (Block 3, p.112) and becomes ‘ennobled’ (Block 3, p. 109). Man would therefore then recognise that, although he is no longer able to act on every whim as before, his existence is now superior if his particular will agrees with the general will. This is because the individual recognises that decisions decided according to the general will have a more effective personal influence on their quality of life. The civil state’s authority is therefore legitimate (‘right’) because each individual is really only obeying themselves (‘free’) by living according to the general will (‘force’). However Rousseau also highlights that unless the civil state is run according to his philosophy, the situation would be such that man would be more free whilst living according to the state of nature. The general will is discovered through a voting system whereby each individual votes according to the general will and is therefore sovereign, the entity which decided the general will. If, however, an individual votes selfishly, the result will be the will of all, and there would be conflict. Similarly if the general will is decided whilst there exists an equality of either wealth or power, such as a monarchy, or votes are case according to what is best for one fraction of society, then that authority is not legitimate. This is because the general will is decided by force alone, similarly to situation stated in the introduction to this essay. Rousseau therefore argues that, if administered correctly, there should be consensus on the general will, differences only resulting from error, irresponsibility or honourable disagreement. In conclusion, Rousseau suggests that freedom is possible within a civil state, provided the government’s power is legitimate by being in accordance with the general will, which agrees with each individual’s own particular will; those in disagreement either being mistaken or lacking reason. As mentioned previously, the interpretation of paintings is problematic and the artwork of David demonstrates these conflicting views, especially when considered in accordance to Rousseau’s philosophy. For instance, the use of light and colour is significant in drawing the spectator towards Socrates because the extreme tone enlightens his figure and the bright clothing of the surroundings figures frame him, conveying Socrates importance. These, together with Socrates’ nudity, light coloured clothing and pose, link his image, within the spectator, to classical heroes, and could thus indicate that Socrates choice of death rather then surrendering his beliefs and assuming the general will is the right decision; a disagreement of Rousseau’s theory. This concept is also supported by the spectator’s viewpoint, which looks up upon Socrates and, together with the scene’s distance from the picture plane, suggest his heroic status. To this end, the dark surrounding colour and extreme depth, as suggested by the overlapping figures as well as the deep archway, also contribute. However the facial expressions, dramatic gestures and figure groupings of those surrounding Socrates seem to fall into two groups: resignation or extreme despair, with Socrates himself acting as the border. A similar suggestion of both a ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ side can also be seen in David’s The Oath of the Horatii between the male and female figures. The contrast is especially apparent if the cupbearer and the figure whose hand is clenched on Socrates’ leg, both of which encapsulate through their gestures the viewpoints of both sides, are compared; figures which are highlighted to the spectator by their red clothing and forefront positio...