THE GENERAL WILL AND LEGISLATOR PAPER IN ROUSSEAU

Abstract

The Genevan author in his ideal aimed at building the new political man, which would lead to a new policy capable of replacing the unrighteous foundations on which society is built. For all this change requires a new covenant based on the general will, which in turn not simply the sum of individual wills one by one, but only retains the acme, that is the essence of all wills united in only, whose greatest value is the collective will (moral collective). So there is a fair society, the sovereignty of the people is required by the general will, without powerful and oppressed, free or slaves. All contractors must be able to act, above all, equality and freedom. This new society is one that is yet to be achieved. It is no longer possible, maintain the condition of the natural state. The denaturation gestated a new man, who happens to live with others, and this new condition, will undergo changes virtually possible in your state. On the basis of these changes is the primary need to create a device, the "social spirit," seated on a basic existential condition. What condition is that? It is the human condition at the same time "integrated" (subject) and "integral" (citizen). Seeking to ensure the legitimacy of social life, Rousseau maintains two fundamental values: freedom and equality. And you think you have found the formula for the man who joins, a condition that, in his view, give him a sovereign power necessary to safeguard these values.