What did Jean-Jacques Rousseau mean by the "general will"? (1 point)
• the decisions of the legislature
• the desires of the king
• the political preference of the public
• the inalienable rights of individuals
the political preference of the public
Jean-Jacques Rousseau meant by the "general will" the political preference of the public.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a Swiss philosopher, political theorist, and writer, introduced the concept of the "general will" in his influential book, "The Social Contract." According to Rousseau, the "general will" refers to the collective and common interest of the citizens within a society. It represents the overall desire or preference that is in the best interest of the whole community rather than the individual desires of its members.
When seeking to understand what Rousseau meant by the "general will," it is important to consider his broader political philosophy. Rousseau believed that individuals should voluntarily enter into a social contract with each other to form a society guided by the general will. He argued that this general will should guide the decisions and actions of the government, and that the laws and policies should reflect the common interest of the people rather than the interests of a monarch or an elite few.
In summary, the "general will" as defined by Rousseau is the political preference or common interest of the public, highlighting the idea that the government should make decisions that align with the best interests of the entire community as a whole. It is distinct from the decisions of the legislature, the desires of the king, or the inalienable rights of individuals.