(FYUGP) POL SCIENCE (MAJOR 03) FOR 06 MARKS
Q13:-Rousseau Idea Of General Will?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau's idea of the General Will (in French, volonté générale) is a central concept in his political
philosophy, most notably outlined in his work The Social Contract (1762). It is a foundational idea in his vision of a just
and legitimate political society. Here's an overview of what the General Will means and its significance:
1.Definition of the General Will
The General Will refers to the collective will of the people, as opposed to the sum of individual wills or private interests.
It represents what is best for the common good of the society as a whole, transcending individual desires,
preferences, or factions. In Rousseau's view, the General Will is not simply the will of the majority, but rather the
expression of what is in the best interest of the entire community, aiming at justice, equality, and the common welfare.
It is important to note that Rousseau believed the General Will is always right and seeks the common good, even if
individuals do not always agree with it or may act in ways contrary to it. In other words, the General Will is an
expression of rational, collective moral judgment, even if it conflicts with individual preferences.
2.The General Will and Sovereignty
Rousseau ties the General Will to the concept of popular sovereignty. In his view, legitimate political authority comes
from the people, and the General Will is the source of all political power. The state is a creation of the social contract,
and its purpose is to enforce the General Will.
Rousseau argues that individuals in a society should give up their natural liberty (freedom to do anything) in exchange
for civil liberty (freedom in accordance with the laws that express the General Will). By participating in the General
Will, individuals are free because they are subordinating their personal desires to the common good, which ultimately
leads to greater collective freedom and equality.
3.The Role of the Legislator
While Rousseau emphasizes that the General Will is the foundation of political legitimacy, he acknowledges the need
for a guiding figure, often referred to as the "Legislator," to help articulate and refine the General Will. The Legislator is
not a ruler but rather someone who guides the people in shaping their collective will, without imposing their own
personal will. The Legislator's role is to help the people recognize the true common interest and to craft laws that
reflect it.
4.Criticisms and Challenges
One of the major criticisms of Rousseau’s concept of the General Will is the difficulty of determining what the General
Will truly is, especially in complex and pluralistic societies. Critics argue that the idea of a singular, unified General Will
might lead to authoritarianism, as it may be used to justify the suppression of minority views and individual rights.
Rousseau himself acknowledges that the General Will is not always easily discernible, and he argues that it requires a
moral and virtuous citizenry to truly understand and express it. However, in practice, it remains unclear who decides
what the General Will is and how it should be interpreted in different contexts.
Conclusion
In sum, Rousseau’s idea of the General Will emphasizes collective decision-making for the common good, which
transcends individual self-interest. It is central to his vision of a just political order, where sovereignty resides with the
people, and political legitimacy is derived from the expression of the General Will. While a powerful and idealistic
concept, its practical application and interpretation have been the subject of significant debate and criticism.
