Rethinking The Revolution: Reimagining The Relationship Between People and Power Through Rousseau’s General Will

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Avah Jimaria N. Marzan, De La Salle University Senior High School - ManilaFollow
Terrence Luis M. Reyes, De La Salle University Senior High School - ManilaFollow
Miguel Jae P. Asido, De La Salle University Senior High School - ManilaFollow
Ma. Angelica Therese Soriano Abiera, De La Salle University Senior High School - ManilaFollow
Armione Kiera M. Magadia, De La Salle University Senior High School - ManilaFollow
Kataryna Theriz M. Dato-on, De La Salle University Senior High School - ManilaFollow
Naoemi Mikka Ella Weill, De La Salle University Senior High School - ManilaFollow

Document Type

Poster Presentation

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Weill, Naoemi Mikka Ella D.

Abstract/Executive Summary

The 1986 EDSA Revolution was a pivotal moment in Philippine history, where Filipinos united to oppose the tyranny under the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.. However, the country still faces long-term instabilities in its aftermath. Thus, by accounting for the facets contributing to the discourse of the general will, the paper examines EDSA through Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s theory to ascertain whether political rallies are compatible under a social contract—an agreement concerning individuals’ rights and responsibilities to stimulate respectful coexistence and law adherence. This paper argues that political rallies are compatible if they uphold the general will and when the State breaks the social contract, as seen in EDSA. Conversely, its aftermath may not be compatible, especially when manipulated for factional interests, turning EDSA into a shift of power for political elites. The paper further recommends strengthening civic education for political awareness and institutionalizing direct democracy mechanisms to align the government with the Filipino people’s will. Ultimately, collective action to reclaim sovereignty is justified under Rousseau’s social contract. The EDSA revolution, therefore, necessitates a critical examination of rallies to avoid co-optation of the elite and to ensure they genuinely reflect the general will, opening doors for studies on Rousseau’s theory, alternative democratic frameworks, and other notions affecting citizen participation.

Keywords

EDSA revolution; general will; Jean-Jacques Rousseau; martial law; social contract