PHIL 332A: Discussion Questions on Rousseau

1. The General Will. What, according to Rousseau is the General Will? Rousseau likes mathematical formulas, but he gives no mathematical formula for determining the general will. Is there any reason to think that there is a satisfactory specification of the General Will, or is the idea hopelessly vague? Consider arguments on both sides and critically evaluate them.

2. Consent and the General Will. What is the role of consent in determining the General Will? How can individual wills conflict with the General Will? How does Rousseau believe that the General Will is to be determined? Is unanimous consent either necessary or sufficient for an expression of the General Will? Is there any reason to believe that any kind of voting procedure would ever express the General Will? Argue both sides. Critically evaluate the arguments on both sides.

3. Individual Rights. According to Rousseau, who or what is the Sovereign? Are there any limits on the legislative power of the Sovereign? Explain. Does Rousseau believe that individuals should have any rights against the Sovereign? Explain. Make the strongest case you can that Rousseau's political philosophy is totalitarian. Then make the strongest case you can on the other side. Critically evaluate the arguments on both sides.

4. Direct Democracy. Why does Rousseau favor a direct democracy over a representative democracy? Suppose that it were possible to make Internet voting accessible to all adults in the U.S. and to secure the system against fraud. Would Rousseau favor replacing the U.S. Congress with direct voting by the people on all legislation? Argue both sides and critically evaluate the arguments on both sides.

6. Rights to Rebel. Under what circumstances does Rousseau believe citizens have a right to rebel against their government? Why? How can a citizen determine whether or not those circumstances obtain? Compare Rousseau's position on this question with Locke's and critically evaluate them.