General will

Definition

General will is a concept that refers to the collective will of the people, aimed at promoting the common good and reflecting the interests of the entire community rather than individual desires. It connects to the broader themes of popular sovereignty and democratic governance, suggesting that true political authority stems from the unified will of the citizens, fostering a sense of national identity and collective purpose.

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 individuals should prioritize the common good over personal interests.
2. Rousseau distinguished between general will and the 'will of all,' emphasizing that the former represents collective interests while the latter reflects individual desires.
3. In a democratic society, the general will can be seen as a guiding principle for legislation, encouraging policies that benefit society as a whole.
4. The concept of general will has influenced various political movements, especially those advocating for democracy and national self-determination.
5. The interpretation of general will has been debated by later thinkers, leading to differing views on how it should be expressed in governance and its implications for individual rights.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of general will contribute to our understanding of democracy and political authority?
  • The concept of general will is essential to understanding democracy because it emphasizes that legitimate political authority arises from the collective will of the people. This idea asserts that laws and policies should reflect the common good rather than individual interests. By prioritizing the general will, democratic systems aim to ensure that governance aligns with the needs and desires of the entire community, thus fostering civic engagement and accountability.
• In what ways did Rousseau's idea of general will challenge existing political structures during the Enlightenment?
  • Rousseau's idea of general will challenged existing political structures by advocating for a shift from monarchies and aristocracies to forms of governance rooted in popular sovereignty. His arguments proposed that true authority should come from the collective agreement of citizens rather than from inherited power or privilege. This perspective inspired revolutionary movements and discussions about democracy and national identity during the Enlightenment, promoting notions of equality and participation in political life.
• Evaluate the implications of general will on contemporary nationalist movements and their goals.
  • General will has significant implications for contemporary nationalist movements as it underscores the idea that nations should govern themselves based on their collective aspirations. Nationalist movements often invoke the concept to argue for self-determination, asserting that their unique cultural identities and shared interests should guide their political autonomy. However, this raises complex questions about how to balance collective desires with individual rights within diverse societies, making it crucial for nationalists to navigate these dynamics thoughtfully to achieve inclusive governance.

Related terms

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

Social Contract: A philosophical theory proposing that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a government that protects their rights and promotes societal welfare.

Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes the interests, culture, and identity of a particular nation, often advocating for self-governance and independence from foreign influence.