Hey reddit philosophers! I am writing a prospectus to a final paper in my social & political philosophy course, and naturally it's due tomorrow because I procrastinated. I would love some help fine-tuning what I believe to be a pretty rough idea of the subject I wish to explore.

​

As far as the prompt; my professor is encouraging us to go in our own direction with the subject, so please shoot any ideas you have. We are to simply choose a philosopher and explore his work, or choose an idea and follow its development (ex. liberty).

​

I want to explore Rousseau's "general will," and how (if at all) his notion relates to the tyranny of "prevailing opinion" described by John Stuart Mill, and discuss the similarities, differences, and any other aspects.

​

My understanding of Rousseau's general will:

• incorruptible, only wants common good
• comes from noble sentiments (not reason) in every soul, exists via anthropological principle
• general will = sovereign
• sovereign ruler = ruler interested in general will

​

Understanding of JSM's thoughts:

• social pressure is tyranny
• prevailing opinion says it is not okay to be different
• this can be worse than political tyranny
• social tyranny causes distrust, resentment

​

If you have a unique thought/elaboration to any of the points please comment or pm! Also, I would find primary and secondary sources useful :)