What concept did Rousseau discuss in his writings that relates to individual freedom and community welfare?

Rousseau is best known for his influential ideas about the relationship between individual freedom and the collective good, particularly through the concept of the "social contract." In his writings, Rousseau argues that individuals achieve true freedom not by living in isolation but by participating in the collective decision-making of a community. He emphasizes that by entering into a social contract, individuals agree to form a community that prioritizes the general will or the common good over individual desires.

This framework is deeply rooted in liberalism, which advocates for individual rights and liberties while recognizing the importance of community and governance. Rousseau's vision suggests that genuine freedom comes from aligning personal interests with the welfare of the society as a whole, establishing a balance between individual autonomy and collective responsibility. This concept is pivotal in understanding the development of democratic principles and the role of civic engagement in political philosophy.

In contrast, other concepts such as utilitarianism, social Darwinism, and empiricism do not address the interplay between individual freedom and community welfare in the same way. Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness, social Darwinism applies evolutionary theory to social phenomena, and empiricism emphasizes knowledge through sensory experience, making them less relevant to Rousseau’s core ideas.