Linguagem Política e Leituras do Contrato Social nos alvores da Revolução Liberal em Portugal

Abstract

Jean-Jacques Rousseau philosophy was the driving force behind the political vocabulary that fostered the editorial and periodical publishing burst in Portugal, in the end of XVIII century. After 1820 Revolution, the Social Contract (1762) was translated into Portuguese and published in three different editions within one year.

Liberals and activist writers found their direct inspiration in Jean-Jacques Rousseau to highlight the importance of civil and human rights, as well as the advantages of the social pact and law. On the other hand, controversy around concepts of general will, public opinion and civil religion show limits to acceptance, although with restrictions, of the political theory behind the Social Contract. Even though political sociability - based in a sacred obedience to the law and commitment to social contract - puts revolutionary catechism and civic education of the people in a privileged role to strengthen the practical aspects of affective-based adhesion to the liberal cause.