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Questions and Answers
What does Mill identify as the subject of 'On Liberty'?
What does Mill identify as the subject of 'On Liberty'?
Mill identifies the subject of 'On Liberty' as civil or social liberty, or the nature or limits of the power that can be legitimately exercised by society over an individual.
What is the chief threat to individual liberty under hereditary monarchy?
What is the chief threat to individual liberty under hereditary monarchy?
What is the chief threat to individual liberty under democratic government?
What is the chief threat to individual liberty under democratic government?
What is the main factor that determines what people like and dislike?
What is the main factor that determines what people like and dislike?
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What principle does Mill identify as the thesis of 'On Liberty'?
What principle does Mill identify as the thesis of 'On Liberty'?
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What two exceptions does Mill make to the principle about the thesis?
What two exceptions does Mill make to the principle about the thesis?
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What does Mill mean by 'utility'?
What does Mill mean by 'utility'?
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What limitations on individual liberty are justified by utility?
What limitations on individual liberty are justified by utility?
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What forces does Mill see as being opposed to the principle of individual liberty?
What forces does Mill see as being opposed to the principle of individual liberty?
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Study Notes
Subject of "On Liberty"
- Mill focuses on civil or social liberty, exploring the nature and limits of societal power over individuals.
- Key question: How far can individual power extend before legitimate constraints are necessary?
Threats to Individual Liberty
- Under hereditary monarchy: Threat arises from the monarchy's concentrated power, leading to tyranny.
- Under democratic government: The majority’s power can oppress minorities, creating a tyranny of the majority.
Influences on Public Preference
- Society’s likes and dislikes are shaped by reasons appealing to common preferences, often influenced by prejudices and fears.
- "Magical influence of custom": Social norms dictate approval or disapproval, often reflecting the views of more progressive societal members rather than common needs for defense and freedom.
Thesis Principle of "On Liberty"
- The core principle entails that interference in individual liberty is justified solely for self-protection.
- Power over others is valid only to prevent harm to them.
Exceptions to the Thesis Principle
- Exceptions include children, immature individuals, and certain backward societies viewed as incapable.
- Mill suggests depots may be needed for these groups as they operate under a form of nonage requiring governance.
Concept of Utility
- Utility is defined as the ultimate reference point for ethics, emphasizing the long-term interests of humanity.
- Individual liberty can be curbed when it concerns actions impacting others, thereby enhancing overall happiness.
Opposing Forces to the Thesis Principle
- Custom and prevailing societal opinions challenge the principle of individual liberty.
- These forces maintain the status quo, resisting change and personal autonomy.
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Description
Explore key concepts from Chapter 1 of John Stuart Mill's 'On Liberty'. This quiz covers essential definitions and ideas such as the nature of civil liberty and the limits of power in society. Test your understanding of Mill's principles regarding individual freedoms and societal constraints.
