THE ROLE OF FREEDOM IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONALITY IN THE "SOCIAL CONTRACT" BY JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU

The article discusses how Rousseau’s critique of formal education and his emphasis on child-centered learning resonate with today’s debates on educational reform, student autonomy, and holistic development. Additionally, it explores the contradictions between Rousseau’s ideal of "negative education" (minimizing societal interference in a child’s natural growth) and the demands of modern standardized education systems. By connecting Rousseau’s philosophical insights to current issues such as inequality in education, the commercialization of learning, and the loss of individuality in mass schooling, this article demonstrates the enduring value of *"The Social Contract"* in rethinking educational paradigms. It argues that Rousseau’s vision encourages a critical reassessment of institutionalized education and calls for a more humane, student-focused approach in line with the needs of the 21st century