Rousseau
Rousseau's concept of the General Will and Common Will is a fundamental aspect of his political philosophy. The General Will refers to the collective will of the people, representing the common interests and desires of the entire community. It is the expression of what is best for the whole society, rather than the individual interests of specific individuals or groups.
The General Will can be visualized as a unified force that guides the decision-making process in a society. It is not simply the sum of individual wills, but rather a higher and more objective form of will that takes into account the common good. This concept emphasizes the importance of considering the well-being of the entire community when making decisions, rather than prioritizing personal or factional interests.
The General Will is closely related to the concept of the Common Will, which refers to the shared goals and values that unite a community. It is through the Common Will that the General Will is expressed and realized. The Common Will represents the collective aspirations and ideals of the people, providing a sense of unity and purpose.
In summary, Rousseau's General Will and Common Will are key concepts in his political philosophy. They emphasize the importance of considering the common good and the collective interests of the community when making decisions. The General Will can be visualized as a unified force that guides the decision-making process, while the Common Will represents the shared goals and values that unite a society.