Genre: Nonfiction—Philosophy & Politics
Completed: 23 October 2012
Summary & Review:
English philosopher and political scientist John Stuart Mill presents his case for maximized personal freedom coupled with limited state and societal controls. In this, one of his most influential essays, Mill argues for nearly unlimited individual liberty in areas of life such as thought and opinion, as well as in preferences and actions, as long as those actions only affect the individual committing them. Throughout the essay, Mill makes it clear that for liberty to be fully exercised, one must be in full grasp of his faculties and be willing to take responsibility for his choices.
English philosopher and political scientist John Stuart Mill presents his case for maximized personal freedom coupled with limited state and societal controls. In this, one of his most influential essays, Mill argues for nearly unlimited individual liberty in areas of life such as thought and opinion, as well as in preferences and actions, as long as those actions only affect the individual committing them. Throughout the essay, Mill makes it clear that for liberty to be fully exercised, one must be in full grasp of his faculties and be willing to take responsibility for his choices.
This is definitely a seminal essay in political philosophy, especially in regard to the role of the State or society in controlling the individual. There were so many points that Mill put so clearly and succinctly, it seemed as though everyone should have already come to the same conclusions because they were so obvious. But, looking at the way progressives and others seek to increase their power and control over the individual, it is clear these points aren’t as self-evident as Mill makes them seem. If those people were, however, to actually read On Liberty they would be enlightened. I’ll post an extended summary in an “Arguments Summed Up” entry in a couple of weeks.
Rating: 8.5
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