Mills' Views on Liberalism & Human Freedom

John Stuart Mill' s views on liberalism and human freedom were born out of the English intellectual group known as the Philosophical Radicals. According to one of the groups strongest defenders, Jeremy Bentham, the goal of society was to promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number. By comparison with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, there is nothing at all unusual about this idea. Indeed, the ideas of Adam Smith, which reflect the capitalistic laissez-faire version of following ones bliss, is alive and well in most first world societies. John Stuart Mill went much further than most in defining with specificity what our human freedoms are, as reflected in his liberal views (Beatty & Johnson, 1995).

As Beatty and Johnson (1985) point out , a major feature of liberalism is a kind of selfishness, which serves both the individual and society at large. In essence, if each person is free to pursue the path that brings the most satisfaction, then they can not help but bring the best part of themselves into the everyday world. Mill' s work, in On Liberty, is about defining the real-life boundaries, of such a philosophy. Mill is quite specific as to where the individual and society intersect, as regards liberty:

The only part of the conduct of any one, for which he is amenable to society, is that which concerns others. In the part which merely concerns himse

. . .
y criticizes such intolerance: I deny the right of the people to exercise such coercion, either by themselves, or by their government. The power itself is illegitimate...It is as noxious, or more noxious, when exerted in accordance with public opinion, than when in opposition to it. (Mill. p. 201) Mills' point is simply that ideas, all ideas no matter their form or mode of presentation, must be preserved and be allowed free expression. As proof of the great loss that society suffers when opinions and ideas are limited, he presents the example of Socrates. Socrates was reportedly condemned for expressing disbelief in state recognized gods, and because he was found immoral. Mill further presents the example of Jesus of Nazareth, who was likewise put to death as a blasphemer. The point Mill is making, is that when one person or group prevents others from expressing an opinion, they lose part of themselves (Mill, pp 201-203). On Individuality Mill seems to believe that expressing opinions is an essential part of human well-being. He states that "so long as it is at their own risk and peril," the ability to openly voice an opinion is an important aspect of liberty. But he is careful to limit the extent of this freedom
. . .

Some common words found in the essay are:
Mill' Liberty, Jesus Nazareth, According Mill, According Mills', Stuart Mill, Beatty Johnson, God Mill, Calvinism Protestantism, Socrates Socrates, Mill Liberty, john stuart, john stuart mill, mill makes, own path, beatty johnson, mill 206, individual society, according mills', mill defining, stuart mill, mill goes,
Approximate Word count = 1387
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)