Western Political Thoughts Flashcards
What is the full name of J.S. Mill?
John Stuart Mill
In which year was ‘A System of Logic’ published?
1843
What philosophical doctrine is J.S. Mill known for promoting?
Utilitarianism
True or False: Mill believed that happiness is the ultimate goal of human action.
True
Fill in the blank: Mill’s principle of utility is often summarized as ‘the greatest happiness for the _____ number.’
greatest
What is the name of Mill’s work that discusses liberty and individual rights?
On Liberty
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a key concept in Mill’s philosophy? A) Harm Principle B) Categorical Imperative C) Liberty D) Utilitarianism
B) Categorical Imperative
What does Mill mean by the ‘Harm Principle’?
Individuals should be free to act as they wish unless their actions harm others.
What significant social issue did Mill advocate for in ‘The Subjection of Women’?
Women’s rights and gender equality
True or False: Mill supported absolute freedom of speech.
True
What is the difference between higher and lower pleasures according to Mill?
Higher pleasures involve intellectual and moral faculties, while lower pleasures are more about physical satisfaction.
Fill in the blank: Mill believed that _________ is a crucial element of a democratic society.
free speech
What is the term for Mill’s belief that actions are right if they promote happiness?
Utilitarianism
Multiple Choice: In which area did Mill NOT make significant contributions? A) Economics B) Political theory C) Quantum physics D) Logic
C) Quantum physics
What does Mill argue is necessary for the development of individuality?
The freedom to express and act upon one’s own ideas.
True or False: Mill argued that societal norms should suppress individual expression.
False
What is Mill’s view on the relationship between liberty and authority?
Liberty should be prioritized over authority unless authority is necessary to prevent harm.
Fill in the blank: Mill’s utilitarianism is often contrasted with that of _________.
Jeremy Bentham
What is the ‘marketplace of ideas’ concept attributed to Mill?
The belief that all ideas should be freely expressed and debated to find the truth.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following works was published posthumously? A) On Liberty B) A System of Logic C) The Subjection of Women D) Principles of Political Economy
D) Principles of Political Economy
What is the main argument of ‘On Liberty’?
The necessity of protecting individual freedoms against societal and governmental oppression.
True or False: Mill believed that all pleasures are equal in value.
False
What does Mill suggest is a key component of achieving happiness?
Cultivating one’s higher faculties and engaging in meaningful activities.
Fill in the blank: Mill advocated for a _________ approach to ethics and morality.
consequentialist
In what year did J.S. Mill die?
1873
