John Stuart Mill

Question 1

JSM famous principle

Answer 1

Harm principle

Provided further justification for individual freedom, stating that the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community, against his will, to prevent harm to others.

Question 2

JSM the state

Answer 2

Mill updates John Locke’s notion of government by consent by advocating for representative democracy. He saw it as a means to reconcile individual liberty with collective decision-making.

Very worried about tyranny of majority.

Wanted to balance majority rule with the protection of minority rights.

Question 3

JSM developmental individualism

Answer 3

Advanced the concept of developmental individualism. He believed that for individuals to truly be free, they needed not only rights but also the ability to effectively use rights.

Question 4

JSM education

Answer 4

Education as essential for helping individuals reaching potential.

Question 5

JSM voting system

Answer 5

Plural voting system - more educated individuals have more votes

Question 6

JSM - harm principle

Answer 6

• justification for individual freedom

Can do what you want as long as it doesn’t harm others

Mill strongly supported tolerance of diverse viewpoints.

Question 7

JSM - representative democracy and developmental individualism

Answer 7

• advocated for representative democracy

Mill was also deeply worried about the dangers of tyranny of the majority.

Developmental individualism - for individuals to truly be free, they needed not only rights but also the ability to effectively use those rights.