Importance of General Will theory of Rousseau:
Despite criticism, Rousseau’s General Will theory has its importance in politics, which is described below:
1. Important for Democracy:
Rousseau’s thought of ‘General Will’ is important for democracy. It establishes the fact that the basis of administrative governance is public acceptance. There should be explicit cooperation of the people in the formation of laws. The government should always be answerable to the people. Mackerel, a political thinker, says correctly, that the use of ‘General Will’ changes an administration (government) into self government.
2. Inspiration of nationalism:
General Will theory provides inspiration for nationalism. This gave rise to the conviction that mutual unity, good behaviour and spirit of cohesion make life better. These qualities carry the true essence of life.
3. Importance to the individual and the society:
Rousseau’s ‘General Will’ theory provides importance to both, the individual as the well as the society.
4. Extension of theory of organic unity:
Rousseau’s General Will theory propagates the principle of organic unity.
