Explain and discuss the significance of Mill's work for philosophical considerations of freedom.

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PHILOSOPHY SYNOPTIC PAPER                                         Rebecca Trenner                    

Explain and discuss the significance of Mill’s work for philosophical considerations of freedom.

John Stuart Mill’s most celebrated work and greatest contribution to political theory ‘On Liberty’ was published in 1859 has been one of the pioneering books of modern libertarian philosophy. Contained in ‘On Liberty’ is a rational justification for the freedom of the individual in opposition to the demands of the state to impose unrestricted control. ‘On Liberty’ also highlights the dangers of democratic states, in that they are prone to falling to tyranny of the majority. Mill sought to  and argued that the state can only justify interference with the conduct of individual citizens when it is clear that doing so will prevent a greater harm to others. ‘On Liberty’ defends the thesis "that the sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self-protection”, though this view raises the question as to where the line at which the difference between self-regarding and social activity can be drawn.

The introduction to ‘On Liberty’ is probably one of the most important parts of Mill’s essay. Whilst containing the basic structure of his argument Mill also highlights some of his major ideas. Mill describes civilization as a struggle between society and the individual arguing as to which should have control over the actions of the individual. Mill sees the world as tipping towards a balance in which society, through laws and public opinion has far more power over the actions and thoughts of an individual than an individual has over himself. Mill rejects this status by arguing that society should only have control over those actions that directly affect it, or any actions that harm its citizens. Mill argues that an individual harming himself or acting against his own good provides inadequate reason for outside interference.

Mill’s belief in progress is also an integral part of his ideas, and his writings show his strong belief that individuals and society as a whole can improve themselves. Fitting with this opinion, he considers different societies to exist on a clear hierarchy of value: barbaric societies are childlike, without the necessary tools of self-government. They must be governed like children, so that they can eventually become capable of exercising their liberty. Yet while Mill considers progress and civilization as highly positive within society, he also expresses concern that with progress comes conformity. Mill’s fear is that such conformity could undermine further individual and social improvement.

In his introduction to ‘On Liberty’, Mill clearly calls his justification of liberty utilitarian. In doing so, he says outright that his defence of liberty will not be based on natural rights, such as those proposed by Locke, or on metaphysical claims, like those proposed by Kant. Instead Mill bases his argument on what is best for mankind and in doing so suggests that his arguments will show the individual and social benefits of human liberty. Mill was a strong believer of Utilitarianism in ethics, holding the view that we should each act so as to promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. Yet he was also a great supporter of individual rights, promoting more power and freedom for women among campaigning for many other things. In ‘On Liberty’ he argues that danger in the past had come from the monarchs holding power at the expense of the common people. He argued the struggle was one of gaining liberty by limiting such governmental power. But now that power has largely been passed into the hands of the ordinary people namely through democratic forms of government, but the danger is that the majority denies liberty to individuals, whether overtly through passing laws or more subtly through morals and public opinion.

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Some of Mill’s strongest opinions are contained in his views on issues of freedom of thought and of opinion. In ‘On Liberty’ Mill attempts to justify the importance of this freedom by showing its social benefits, taking the view that diversity of opinion is positive for society. Mill's argument that the opposing opinion may be true brings up some important points. First, it highlights that Mill believes that moral truths do exist. Therefore in defending liberty Mill does not say that all opinions are equally valid. Mill is not saying that all things can be true according to their ...

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