Published by Crackers Books,

5 August 2024

https://crackersbooks.com/basics


“John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty": A ​Concise Overview


John Stuart Mill’s “On Liberty” is a seminal work in political philosophy and ethics, exploring the nature ​and limits of the power that society can legitimately exercise over the individual. Written in 1859, the ​essay champions individual freedom and autonomy while addressing the complexities of societal ​control and individual liberty.


Key Points


1. Harm Principle: Central to Mill’s argument is the harm principle, which states that the actions of ​individuals should only be limited to prevent harm to other individuals. Mill asserts that society should ​only exercise power over an individual against their will to prevent harm to others, thus safeguarding ​personal liberty and autonomy (Miller, 2021).


2. Freedom of Thought and Expression: Mill strongly defends freedom of thought and expression as ​fundamental to personal and societal progress. He argues that all ideas should be freely discussed and ​debated, as this process leads to the discovery of truth and the rejection of falsehoods. Mill believes ​that silencing any opinion is wrong, as it robs the human race of the opportunity for intellectual and ​moral growth (Macleod, 2021).


3. Individuality and Personal Development: Mill emphasizes the importance of individuality as a core ​component of well-being and progress. He believes that allowing individuals to pursue their own paths ​and make their own choices leads to greater happiness and fulfillment. This principle supports the idea ​that diversity in modes of life and character is beneficial for society (Sanjuán, 2018).


4. Limits of Authority: Mill discusses the limits of societal authority and the importance of protecting ​individual liberties from both governmental and social tyranny. He critiques the “tyranny of the ​majority” and stresses that personal freedoms should not be infringed upon by societal norms or ​pressures unless absolutely necessary to prevent harm (Mabsout, 2021).


5. Application in Modern Contexts: The principles outlined in “On Liberty” continue to be relevant in ​contemporary discussions on public health, free speech, and individual rights. For instance, during the ​COVID-19 pandemic, debates around lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccinations have invoked Mill’s ​harm principle to balance individual freedoms with public health concerns (Miller, 2021).


Conclusion


John Stuart Mill’s “On Liberty” remains a cornerstone of liberal political thought, advocating for the ​protection of individual freedoms while recognizing the need for societal regulation to prevent harm. Its ​emphasis on free expression, personal development, and the limits of authority continues to influence ​contemporary debates on liberty and governance.


References


• Macleod, C. (2021). Mill on the Liberty of Thought and Discussion. The Oxford Handbook of Freedom of ​Speech. Link

• Mabsout, R. (2021). John Stuart Mill, soft paternalist. Social Choice and Welfare, 58, 161-186. Link

• Miller, F. (2021). Liberty and Protection of Society During a Pandemic: revisiting John Stuart Mill. ​Perspectives in Biology and Medicine, 64(2), 200-210. Link

• Sanjuán, C. R. (2018). John Stuart Mill on the relation between society and individual regarding ​personal liberty. Russian Sociological Review, 17(3), 66-88. Link


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