John Stuart Mill

Question 1

The link between…

Answer 1

The key link between classical and modern liberalism. Seeing the need for some state intervention to help the poor. Favoured inheritance tax as wealth passed through generations gave some an unfair advantage.

Question 2

View of humanity

Answer 2

Believed that humanity looked to improve human civilisation.

Question 3

Key text

Answer 3

‘On Liberty’

• negative freedom - the lack of restraint.

Question 4

His theory

Answer 4

Freedom to do anything that does not harm others (harm theory)

Question 5

Tolerance

Answer 5

Tolerance of those who hold a minority view (majority was not always right). Feared democracy would lead to ‘tyranny of the majority’ which would have to be tempered by representatives making judgements on what was best not just what was the most popular.

Question 6

Individuality

Answer 6

Individuality/ developmental individualism - what people can become not what they are.

Question 7

JSM argued for what kind of economy

Answer 7

Laissez faire capitalism - argued it was necessary for initiative and individual growth

Question 8

Harm principle

Answer 8

Unjustifiable to interfere with self-regarding actions as long as they don’t infringe the rights of others