The General Will before Rousseau

Exploring the theological origins of Rousseau's "general will," Patrick Riley delves into seventeenth-century debates on divine justice and salvation. He examines the implications of God's will concerning universal salvation and the selective damnation of some individuals. Riley highlights how Rousseau drew on the language and concepts from thinkers like Pascal, Malebranche, and Fenelon to elevate political discourse, intertwining theology with political philosophy to enrich his ideas.