Key Thinker- John Stuart Mill (1806-73) Flashcards
Who was John Stuart Mill, and why is he important to liberal thought?
John Stuart Mill was an English philosopher, politician, and campaigner. He is regarded as one of the greatest English philosophers and made immense contributions to liberal thought, providing a bridge between classical and modern liberalism.
What is John Stuart Mill’s most enduring idea, and where is it outlined?
Mill’s most enduring idea is ‘negative freedom,’ which he outlined in his seminal work On Liberty (1859). It argues that freedom primarily involves an absence of restraint.
What is Mill’s ‘harm principle’?
Mill’s ‘harm principle’ is the idea that an individual’s actions should be tolerated by the state and other individuals unless it can be shown that such actions harm others.
How did Mill classify human actions, and why is this classification important?
Mill classified human actions into ‘self-regarding’ and ‘other-regarding.’ ‘Self-regarding’ actions (e.g., religious worship or personal expression) do not harm others and should be tolerated, while ‘other-regarding’ actions (e.g., violent behavior) harm others and should not be tolerated by a liberal state.
Why did Mill emphasize the tolerance of diverse opinions?
Mill believed that tolerance of diverse opinions ensures that new ideas can emerge and bad ideas can be exposed through open, rational debate.
How did Mill’s view of liberty differ from earlier classical liberalism?
Mill saw liberty not just as a ‘natural right’ and an end in itself but as the engine of ongoing human development. He believed that human nature was not a ‘finished article’ and that there was always room for improvement.
What is ‘developmental individualism,’ and how is it related to Mill’s concept of ‘individuality’?
‘Developmental individualism’ refers to Mill’s idea that liberty should not only free individuals as they are but also consider what individuals could become. This concept, termed ‘individuality’ by Mill, emphasizes the potential for human progress and growth.
How did Mill’s distinction between ‘individualism’ and ‘individuality’ influence his views on democracy?
Mill was concerned that the principle of ‘government by consent’ could be compromised in a democracy if the wishes of some citizens were overwhelmed by the majority, potentially leading to a ‘tyranny of the majority.’
What famous quote illustrates Mill’s belief in the importance of human development?
Mill famously stated, “It is better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a pig satisfied,” highlighting his belief that liberty should be grounded in the permanent interests of humans as progressive beings.
