What Is General Will According To Rousseau

What is the General Will According to Rousseau?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a prominent figure of the Enlightenment, profoundly impacted political philosophy with his concept of the "general will." This concept, central to his masterpiece The Social Contract, remains a subject of intense debate and interpretation. Understanding the general will requires careful examination of Rousseau's broader philosophical framework, his critique of existing societal structures, and his vision for a just and equitable society. This article delves deep into Rousseau's conception of the general will, exploring its nuances, criticisms, and lasting influence.

Rousseau's Critique of Society: The Foundation for the General Will

Before understanding the general will, we must grasp Rousseau's critique of the existing social order. He argued that societal structures, particularly those based on inequality and individual self-interest, corrupted human nature. In his view, humans are inherently good, possessing a natural compassion ("amour de soi") that fosters self-preservation and a sense of empathy towards others. However, this natural goodness is distorted by societal institutions that promote competition, inequality, and the pursuit of private interests. This distortion leads to what Rousseau calls "amour propre," a form of self-love driven by vanity and the desire for recognition from others.

The State of Nature and the Social Contract: Rousseau contrasts this corrupted societal reality with a hypothetical "state of nature," where individuals live independently without societal constraints. While acknowledging the potential for conflict in this state, he argues that it is less destructive than the inequalities and injustices fostered by existing societies. The solution, for Rousseau, lies in a social contract – a voluntary agreement among individuals to surrender certain individual rights to a collective body, thereby forming a political community. This contract, however, is not simply a surrender of freedom; it's a strategic move to achieve a higher form of freedom.

Defining the General Will: More Than a Simple Majority

The general will, then, is the collective expression of this social contract. It's not simply the sum of individual wills or even a majority vote; it's something fundamentally different. It represents the collective pursuit of the common good, the shared interest that binds individuals together within the political community. It is the will that aims at the common good, not merely the aggregation of individual desires.

Rousseau emphasizes that the general will is not always identical to the will of all. Individuals may have particular interests that conflict with the common good. The general will transcends these individual desires, focusing instead on what is best for the entire community. This often leads to misunderstandings and criticisms of Rousseau's theory. He doesn't imply that the general will is a mystical or infallible force, but rather a constantly evolving process of deliberation and compromise aimed at achieving the common good.

Distinguishing the General Will from Other Wills

To understand the general will, we must contrast it with other kinds of wills:

• The Will of All: This is simply the sum of individual wills. It reflects the aggregate of personal desires and interests, which may or may not align with the common good. It can lead to factionalism and the dominance of particular interests.
• The Particular Will: This refers to the individual desires and interests of specific individuals or groups within the community. It often conflicts with the general will and needs to be subjected to it for the sake of the common good.
• The General Will: This is the collective will aimed at the common good. It emerges from a process of deliberation and rational discourse, where citizens set aside their particular interests to focus on the welfare of the community as a whole.

The Process of Discovering the General Will

Rousseau suggests several mechanisms to foster the discovery and implementation of the general will:

• Civic Education: Citizens need to be educated about the principles of civic virtue, the importance of the common good, and the necessity of subordinating private interests to the general will. This education cultivates a sense of shared identity and a commitment to the collective welfare.
• Direct Democracy: Rousseau favored direct democracy, where citizens directly participate in the decision-making process. This allows them to voice their opinions, debate issues, and collectively arrive at a decision that reflects the general will.
• The Legislature: While advocating for direct democracy, Rousseau acknowledges the practical limitations of such a system in large communities. He therefore proposes a legislature to represent the general will, but emphasizes that its members must be guided by principles of civic virtue and commitment to the common good.
• The Sovereign: The sovereign represents the general will, enacting laws and policies that aim at the common good. The sovereign is not a single person but the collective body of citizens exercising their collective authority.

The Challenges and Criticisms of the General Will

Rousseau's concept of the general will has been subject to extensive criticism. Some key challenges include:

• The Problem of Defining the Common Good: Critics argue that it's difficult, if not impossible, to define what constitutes the common good, particularly in diverse societies with conflicting values and interests. This leads to ambiguity and potential manipulation.
• The Potential for Tyranny of the Majority: Even if the general will is achieved through a legitimate process, there's a risk that it might suppress the rights and interests of minorities. This concern is amplified if the general will is improperly interpreted or implemented.
• The Issue of Forced Consent: Critics argue that forcing individuals to comply with the general will even if they disagree, is inherently authoritarian. This is particularly problematic if the process of determining the general will is flawed or susceptible to manipulation.
• The Practical Difficulties of Direct Democracy: Rousseau's ideal of direct democracy is challenging to implement in large, complex societies. The practical difficulties of achieving widespread participation and deliberation raise concerns about the feasibility of his model.

The Enduring Legacy of the General Will

Despite the challenges and criticisms, Rousseau's concept of the general will has had a profound and lasting impact on political thought. It has significantly influenced:

• Republicanism: Rousseau's emphasis on civic virtue, participation, and the common good has shaped republican ideals, promoting the idea of a government responsible to the people and focused on the collective welfare.
• Democratic Theory: The concept of the general will has contributed to democratic theory by highlighting the importance of collective decision-making, citizen participation, and the pursuit of the common good.
• Social Contract Theory: Rousseau's framework remains a central element of social contract theory, influencing ongoing debates about the relationship between the individual and the state, individual rights, and the legitimacy of government.

Conclusion: A Continuing Dialogue

Rousseau's concept of the general will is not without its flaws and contradictions. Yet, its enduring appeal lies in its attempt to reconcile individual freedom with collective responsibility, a fundamental tension in political philosophy. His emphasis on civic virtue, participation, and the pursuit of the common good continues to spark debate and inform contemporary political discourse. The general will, far from being a solved problem, remains a vibrant and crucial concept in political thought, provoking continued discussion about the nature of justice, liberty, and the ideal political community. Understanding Rousseau's work requires engaging with its complexities, acknowledging its limitations, and appreciating its continuing influence on our understanding of the state, society, and the challenges of collective life.