Teaching students about general will is an important aspect of political philosophy education. General will is the idea that the collective will of the people is more important than the individual’s will. This concept is critical in democratic societies as it helps in shaping the way decisions are made.
Theories of general will date back to ancient Greek philosophy, but the most famous and influential idea about general will was postulated by French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau in his book, ‘The Social Contract.’
In teaching students about general will, a teacher should first explain the importance of the concept, which is rooted in the idea that individuals value society over self-interest. The philosophy behind the concept suggests that individuals come together to form a collective that will govern their interests, and that through this process, the collective interest supersedes individual interests.
A teacher should also help students understand that general will only works effectively in a democratic society where all voices are heard. Students should learn the different forms of democratic governance and the various ways in which general will can be implemented.
To further understand the concept, students should get involved in class discussions, debates, or research projects related to it. They can also participate in extracurricular activities such as mock elections or debates to apply the idea of general will in real-life situations.
Furthermore, teachers can use case studies to teach students about the practical application of general will. In this instance, the teacher presents a case that involves a conflict of individual versus collective interest, and the students work together to find amicable solutions to the problem.
