The General Will before Rousseau

The book explores the theological origins of Rousseau's concept of the "general will," linking it to 17th-century debates on divine justice and salvation. It questions whether a divine will exists that ensures universal salvation and examines the implications of God's selective will. Patrick Riley highlights Rousseau's connection to thinkers like Pascal and Malebranche, demonstrating how these influences shaped his political philosophy, elevating it through a theological lens.