In Jean-Jacques Rousseau's 'The Social Contract', what does the 'General Will' (volonte generale) represent?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. The collective interest aimed at the common good of all citizens
- Step 1: Rousseau distinguished the 'General Will' (oriented toward common public good) from the 'will of all' (mere sum of private desires). Step 2. By obeying the General Will, citizens retain true freedom, as they are authoring the moral laws to which they submit. Answer: The collective interest aimed at the common good of all citizens. Why not the others: It is an ethical standard of common interest, not a simple majority opinion.
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