What did John Stuart Mill believe about liberty?
Mill believed that “the struggle between Liberty and Authority is the most conspicuous feature in the portions of history.” For him, liberty in antiquity was a “contest… between subjects, or some classes of subjects, and the government.” Mill defined social liberty as protection from “the tyranny of political rulers”.
What does John Stuart Mill mean by the term liberty?
On Liberty is one of Mill’s most famous works and remains the one most read today. In this book, Mill expounds his concept of individual freedom within the context of his ideas on history and the state. Chapter I defines civil liberty as the limit that must be set on society’s power over each individual.
What does Mill mean by experiments of living?
Mill also argued for the need to respect individuality Mill’s primary reason for this position is that experiments in living permit people to find their own paths to self-fulfillment. Experiments in living are a vehicle for the exercise of autonomy, enabling personal growth and moral development.
How does Mill argue for his principle of liberty?
Mill’s liberty principle is the idea that people should be free to do whatever they want, without any intervention from state or individuals, unless their actions harm somebody other than themselves. He argued that if each person was free to make his or her own choices it would maximise happiness in society.
Why did Mill write On Liberty?
Mill wrote that he believed On Liberty to be about “the importance, to man and society, of a large variety in types of character, and of giving full freedom to human nature to expand itself in innumerable and conflicting directions.” This celebration of individuality and disdain for conformity runs throughout On …
What is the biggest threat to individuality according to Mill?
Based on his careful reading of Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville, Mill feared that the “will of the people” would more often be the “will of the majority.” This could threaten liberty and individual self-development if the majority acted to oppress minority viewpoints and lifestyles.
Why is liberty valuable by Mill?
Liberty of opinion is valuable for two main reasons. First, the unpopular opinion may be right. Second, if the opinion is wrong, refuting it will allow people to better understand their own opinions. In his first chapter, Mill provides a brief overview of the meaning of liberty.