Who is credited with developing the idea of general will?

The concept of the "general will" is primarily attributed to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a prominent philosopher of the Enlightenment. Rousseau introduced this idea in his work "The Social Contract," where he argued that the general will represents the collective interests and common good of the people, transcending individual desires. According to Rousseau, the general will is essential for establishing a legitimate political community and ensuring that governance aligns with the values and needs of society as a whole. This notion of the general will laid the groundwork for modern democratic and social contract theories, emphasizing the importance of collective agreement and civic responsibility. Rousseau's ideas significantly influenced revolutionary movements and modern political thought, making his contributions critical in understanding the role of individual and collective rights in society.