what did Jean Jacques Rousseau mean by the general will
The inheritable rights of individuals
the desires of the king
the political reference of the public
the decisions of legislature
Jean-Jacques Rousseau meant the political reference of the public when he referred to the general will. The general will represents the common interest or the collective desires and welfare of the citizens as a whole, rather than the interests or desires of any particular individual or group. According to Rousseau, the general will should guide and shape the decisions and actions of the government and the legislature.
Jean Jacques Rousseau meant by the general will as the political reference of the public. According to Rousseau, the general will is the collective desire and common interest of the citizens, and it represents the ideal state of affairs in a just society. It is not mere majority rule or the desires of a particular group or individual. Instead, it is the will that reflects what is best for the entire community and ensures the overall welfare and common good. The general will is arrived at through deliberation and takes into account the interests and rights of all individuals. It is distinct from the desires of the king or any specific legislator, as it encompasses the broader perspective of the public as a whole.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a French philosopher, identified the concept of the general will in his book "The Social Contract." According to Rousseau, the general will refers to the collective will or common good of a society as a whole. It represents the shared interests and welfare of all members of the community. Rousseau believed that the general will is the highest and most legitimate source of political authority.
To understand Rousseau's perspective on the general will, you can explore the ideas he puts forth in "The Social Contract." Reading his work directly will provide a deeper understanding of his concept. In doing so, pay attention to the following points:
1. The Social Contract: Rousseau argues that individuals enter into a social contract with one another to form a community or society. This contract represents a mutual agreement where individuals surrender some of their individual freedoms and natural rights to the community in exchange for protection and benefits.
2. Will of All vs. General Will: Rousseau distinguishes between the "will of all" and the "general will." The will of all refers to the aggregate preferences of individuals, which may not always align with the common good. On the other hand, the general will represents the collective decision that takes into account the best interests of society as a whole.
3. Sovereignty and Legitimacy: According to Rousseau, the general will is sovereign and has the highest political legitimacy. It represents the true essence of democracy by being a reflection of the genuine desires and interests of the citizenry.
4. Deliberation and Consensus: Rousseau emphasizes the importance of open deliberation and discussion among citizens to determine the general will. Through reasoned discourse, citizens can come to an agreement on what is best for the community.
5. Supremacy of the General Will: Rousseau argues that the general will should always prevail over individual wills or partial interests. This means that laws and policies should be enacted based on what is in the best interest of society as a whole, rather than favoring specific individuals or groups.
Overall, Rousseau's concept of the general will encompasses the collective decision-making process and the common good of society, as opposed to individual or partial interests. Understanding his ideas in detail will provide a comprehensive grasp of the concept.