(Focused Summary) Mill, “On Liberty”
John Stuart Mill writes discusses liberty and how it should be proteted wthin society. Overall, Mill points out the flaws he sees in his current society and suggests a criteria that must be followed to ensure freedom. He starts in chapter 1 by explaining that there has been a struggle between Liberty and Authority throughout history. In this case Liberty meant protection against an oppressive tyrant. At one point a governing caste was deemed necessary despite being dangerous, the solution was creation of a larger group that could set limits to their power. This was achieved by obtaining recognition of certain rights as well as constitutional checks via a representative and consenting body within that society. Eventually people saw it was unnecessary to have a separate governing power that conflicted with the community interests. The demand for elected rulers that identify with public interest grew, and eventually Democratic Republics developed across the world. However, this still did not protect the liberty of the public. Rather than will of the people, government is now run by “will of the majority” which can seek to oppress smaller groups. Mill believed that we need protection against the prevailing opinion and discusses how this should look. Despite the notion that society’s moral rules are inherent, they are formed in reality by culture and the preferences of the prevailing class. Mill claims the sole end for which mankind is warranted to interfere with any liberty is only in cases of self protection. This means that liberty can not be touched even in preventing one from harming themselves. You have right to reason with others for their own good, but no authority to force anyone to act a certain way. The exception is only for children, who need protection against their own actions. Also there is a responsibility on everyone in society to not do bad things as well as to do the right thing when possible. While currently society tries to make people conform to their notions of personal and social excellence, this is an infringement on liberty. Mill chooses to focus on Liberty of Thought in this essay.
Mill also discusses how people should act in regard to the business and conduct of others. Humans owe each other to distinguish and teach right from wrong, and to encourage the right thing. While direction is allowed, it is not right to force someone in the correct direction. Each person is the final judge of his or her actions. To constrain someone from acting badly is to commit more evil than the action would be if it were not impeded. However, if a person is to act in an undesirable way, they are still subject to being regarded with disadmiration. The same goes for people who commit good, they can be regarded with admiration. We have the right to act on our unfavorable opinion of others, for example avoiding that person or cautioning others against their actions. Thus the person who acts poorly will face only inconveniences that are not purposely inflicted upon them. However, a person who encroaches on the liberty of another person requires moral reprobation and sometimes retribution for their wrongdoing. Thus, Mill separates conduct faults from immorality, immorality being limiting of another's liberty.
Overall, Mill outlines what liberty is and why it is not being protected in its current state. Through his work Mill discusses what responsibility man has to protect liberty and how good morality can be achieved without infringing on others rights.
