Deliberation, Opinion and the Formation of General Will in Rousseau’s Work Cover Image

Rokování, mínění a vytváření obecné vůle u Rousseaua
Deliberation, Opinion and the Formation of General Will in Rousseau’s Work

Author(s): Hana Fořtová
Subject(s): History of Philosophy, Political Philosophy, Social Philosophy, Political Theory, Civil Society, Philosophy of Law
Published by: AV ČR - Akademie věd České republiky - Ústav pro českou literaturu
Keywords: J.-J. Rousseau; general will; déliberation; (public) opinion; The Social Contract; self-love;

Summary/Abstract: The article analyses the relation between public opinion and public discussion (déliberation) in Rousseau’s work. Some contemporary theorists regard Rousseau as a thinker who rejects the necessity of public debate in political decision-making and deplore the lack of discussion in the process by which the general will is formed. To clarify Rousseau’s position regarding this problem the article explores two paths. First, it analyses the concepts of “general” and “particular” as they relate to interest and will, and the terms used by Rousseau to express the political process: délibération, opiner, voter. The second part reveals how Rousseau understands (public) opinion as an expression of our self-love and why he condemns the creation of particular societies within a political body. In conclusion, we show in what sense déliberation is for Rousseau a necessary condition for the democratic process.

  • Issue Year: 13/2023
  • Issue No: 01
  • Page Range: 23-38
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Czech
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