The Manifestation of "Subjectivity" in Jean-Jacques Rousseau's General Will Theory

Jean-Jacques Rousseau has explained the transition from natural to civil status under the theory called "general will". The root of the theory must be sought in the subjectivity and the fundamental change in the relation of man and the world, which has begun under the influence of the post-Renaissance atmosphere. This article, through a descriptive-analytical method attempts to describe how subjectivity affects Rousseau's theory of general will. In the framework of subjectivity, the subject is the foundation of the universe and everything else is considered the object of the subject, and it is the subject that determines everything else. Accordingly, in Rousseau's view, the conventional society depicted by public will (manifestation of the subject), replaces "nature" in its traditional sense and the social reason replaces traditional practical reason. In this conventional society, “the general will” arising from the social reason, determines the law. Basically, the law is the manifestation of autonomy and self-determination of the human will, which teaches citizens to act in accordance with their conscience and not to be constantly in conflict with themselves. There is no supreme power above “the general will” and people following the law, do not follow anyone except their will.