General Will

Definition

General will is a concept in political philosophy that refers to the collective will of the people, aiming for the common good of society rather than individual interests. This idea emphasizes the importance of unity and consensus in decision-making, reflecting what is best for the community as a whole. The general will is not merely the sum of individual preferences; it is a moral and ethical stance that prioritizes the welfare of all citizens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'general will' was popularized by Jean-Jacques Rousseau in his work 'The Social Contract', where he argued that legitimate political authority comes from the collective will of the people.
2. Rousseau believed that for a society to function properly, individuals must act in accordance with the general will, which may sometimes conflict with their personal desires.
3. General will differs from the 'will of all', which represents the aggregate of individual interests and preferences rather than the common good.
4. Rousseau argued that true freedom comes from aligning oneself with the general will, as it leads to true civic participation and social cohesion.
5. Critics of the general will concept caution that it can be misused to justify oppressive government policies by claiming they serve the common good.

Review Questions

• How does Rousseau's concept of general will differ from individual self-interest?
  • Rousseau's concept of general will emphasizes the common good over individual self-interest. While individual self-interest focuses on personal desires and benefits, the general will seeks to promote what is best for the entire community. This means that citizens may have to set aside their own preferences for the sake of societal harmony and welfare, highlighting the importance of unity in achieving collective goals.
• Evaluate how the idea of general will can influence modern democratic practices.
  • The idea of general will can significantly influence modern democratic practices by promoting policies that prioritize collective well-being over individual gains. In democracies, this translates into governance that reflects the needs and aspirations of the majority while also considering minority rights. The challenge lies in ensuring that public policies genuinely represent the general will rather than being swayed by special interest groups, thereby fostering true democratic participation and engagement.
• Analyze the potential implications of misinterpreting general will in a political context.
  • Misinterpreting general will can lead to authoritarianism, where leaders claim to represent the common good while suppressing dissent and individual rights. When a government uses general will as a justification for oppressive measures, it risks creating a society where only certain voices are heard, undermining true democratic ideals. This distortion can result in a disconnect between governmental actions and public needs, ultimately eroding trust in political institutions and leading to social unrest.

Related terms

Social Contract: A theoretical agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules and norms for mutual benefit.

Popular Sovereignty: The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, typically through their elected representatives.

Collective Good: The benefit or well-being of a group or community as a whole, which may sometimes require individual sacrifices for greater societal outcomes.