Single Idea 22594

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 2. State Legitimacy / d. General will]

Full Idea

In the French Revolution the general will replaced democracy, the separation of powers, the rule of law, and individual rights.

Gist of Idea

In 1794 France all individual and legal rights were suppressed by the general will

Source

Ian Dunt (How to be a Liberal [2020], 03)

Book Reference

Dunt,Ian: 'How to Be a Liberal' [Canbury Press 2020], p.100


A Reaction

I had some sympathy with the idea of the general will, but Dunt has persuaded me otherwise. It is the embodiment of the democratic problem of the tyranny of the majority.