John Stuart Mill on Individual Liberty and Its Limits
Classified in Philosophy and ethics
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Mill argues that no individual or group should dictate another's life choices, even with good intentions. This stems from his belief that people's judgments are often clouded by prejudice, superstition, and self-interest. As J.S. Mill states in On Liberty, external power can only be legitimately exercised to prevent harm to others, not to improve an individual physically or morally.
This principle applies to individuals with mature faculties, capable of rational discussion. Mill champions freedom of thought, sentiment, expression, and the freedom to pursue one's own tastes and purposes, provided they do not harm others. He also defends the freedom of assembly and association.
Freedom of Thought and Expression
In On Freedom of Thought and Expression, Mill defends individual opinion, arguing that it may contain truth, or a portion of it. Through open and honest discussion, without malice or intolerance, we can arrive at a more complete understanding of the truth. Suppressing even false opinions prevents the true belief from being challenged and ultimately weakens it.
Individuality as an Element of Well-being
Mill explicitly defends freedom of expression, noting that humans are fallible, truths are often partial, and diversity is essential for reaching or strengthening the truth. This extends to freedom of action. Each person's way of life, based on experience and common sense, is best for them because it is tailored to their needs. However, actions lose their impunity when they incite harm to others.
Limits of Societal Authority
In On the Limits of the Authority of Society over the Individual, Mill addresses actions that may be offensive or violate the rights of others. He believes that the consequences of wrong actions serve as powerful lessons. Individual freedom is crucial for individual happiness, as Mill argues in Utilitarianism. Suppressing individual development, as he discusses in Considerations on Representative Government, leads to injustice, unhappiness, and social stagnation.