What did Jean-Jacques Rousseau mean by the “general will”?(1 point)
Responses
the political preference of the public
the political preference of the public
the inalienable rights of individuals
the inalienable rights of individuals
the decisions of the legislature
the decisions of the legislature
the desires of the king
the political preference of the public
Jean-Jacques Rousseau referred to the "general will" as the collective will or common good of the people. According to Rousseau, the general will represents the best and most just outcome for society as a whole. It is not simply the total of individual preferences or desires, but rather a higher and more rational expression of what is in the best interest of the community.
To understand Rousseau's concept of the general will, it is important to read his work "The Social Contract." In this book, Rousseau argues that people enter into a social contract to establish a society and government that will protect their individual rights and the common good. He emphasizes that the general will is different from the particular will of individuals or groups, as it takes into account what is best for everyone.
So, to answer your question, by "general will," Jean-Jacques Rousseau meant the collective will or common good of the people, which represents what is in the best interest of society as a whole.