Journal of Advances in Developmental Research

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General Will as the Basis of Popular Sovereignty in Rousseau’s Philosophy

Author(s) Dr. Rajalakshmi R
Country India
Abstract The concept of general will is the most fertile idea in the political writings of Rousseau. Rousseau is very vague about the theory of general will. To understand the theory of general will we must make a distinction between the terms “actual will” and “real will”. The actual will of the individual is his impulsive and irrational will. Individual actions become unreasonable and senseless when they are done under the impact of actual will. It is based on self-interest. It does not concern itself with the general welfare of the society. It thinks only of the present. The actual will is narrow and self-conflicting. The general will is sovereign. As it is the best will of all every one ought to follow the general will. The general will can legitimately command the obedience of every individual. By following the general will, the individual finds not only fulfilment but also true freedom. Rousseau writes: “Whoever refuses to obey the general will shall be compelled to do so by the whole body.” In other words, “This means nothing less than that he will be forced to be free.” Rousseau feels that the state embodying the General Will must have absolute power over the members of the community. Rousseau’s theory of general will is not applicable in modern democracies. This is because Rousseau’s general will is unrepresentable. It rules out indirect democracy. Although it is applicable to small states, it will promote only a weak government as the powers of such governments at any time may be modified or withdrawn by the sovereign community.
Keywords General will, Sovereignty, Society, Government
Field Arts
Published In Volume 17, Issue 1, January-June 2026
Published On 2026-06-09
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