Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: John Stuart Mill, Optimism Bias, Harm Principle
1 Dec 2017
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John stuart mill liberty principle & harm principle. The nature and limits of power which can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual . The need to restrict both state and society(public opinion) in their ability to shape conduct. People should be free to do what they like. John mill knew we need to restrain people yet maximize individual happiness/freedom. 4 stages in the history of relations between individuals and authority. Throughout this history, the meanings of liberty and tyranny have changed. Liberty means protection of society against the tyranny of political rulers. The protections are political rights and constitutional checks. Rulers are the ruled, so it was thought, there was no need to limit the government power. Recognition that the political majority can be tyrannical over the minority. Liberty is democratic government with protection for minorities. Threat of social tyranny: the tyranny of prevailing opinion and feeling. Mill rejects to custom, tradition, or popular morality.
