General Will

Definition

General will refers to the collective desire or interest of the people as a whole, distinct from individual wills or interests. It emphasizes the idea that the common good should guide political decisions and actions, promoting the welfare of the community over personal desires. This concept is essential in understanding democratic principles and social contracts, as it calls for aligning government actions with the shared aspirations of its citizens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of general will was famously articulated by Jean-Jacques Rousseau in his work 'The Social Contract,' where he argued that true freedom comes from aligning individual interests with the collective good.
2. General will plays a crucial role in democratic theory, as it provides a framework for justifying laws and policies based on what benefits society as a whole rather than specific groups.
3. The distinction between general will and will of all is important; general will focuses on the common good, while will of all may represent individual interests or factions within society.
4. Rousseau believed that for general will to be realized, citizens must participate actively in governance and decision-making processes to ensure their voices contribute to the collective good.
5. Misinterpretations of general will can lead to tyranny of the majority, where the preferences of a dominant group suppress minority rights, highlighting the need for careful representation in democratic systems.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of general will differentiate from individual interests in political philosophy?
  • General will focuses on the collective interest of the community as a whole, contrasting sharply with individual interests, which can often be self-serving. This distinction is essential in political philosophy because it emphasizes that governance should prioritize what benefits society rather than catering to specific factions or individuals. Rousseau argues that understanding this difference is vital for achieving true democracy and social cohesion.
• Discuss how general will influences modern democratic practices and governance structures.
  • General will influences modern democracy by providing a philosophical basis for legitimacy in governance. It supports the notion that laws and policies should reflect the collective aspirations of citizens rather than individual desires. In practice, this means that democratic systems aim to facilitate active citizen participation through voting, public discussions, and community engagement, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
• Evaluate the implications of general will when applied in contemporary societies facing multiculturalism and diverse opinions.
  • When applying general will in contemporary multicultural societies, one must consider the complexities introduced by diverse perspectives and interests. While striving for a common good, there is a risk that majority preferences could overshadow minority rights, leading to potential conflicts. To effectively harness general will without excluding minority groups, it is essential for democracies to implement inclusive practices that allow for multiple voices to shape policy decisions. This ensures that general will truly reflects the interests of all members of society rather than just a dominant majority.

Related terms

Social Contract: A theoretical agreement among individuals to form a society and government, where they collectively agree to adhere to common rules and accept certain sacrifices for communal benefits.

Popular Sovereignty:

The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, who are the ultimate source of political power.

Collective Responsibility: The idea that all members of a group share accountability for actions taken by the group as a whole, promoting unity and collective decision-making.