Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: On Liberty, Harm Principle, Status Quo Bias

• School: Western University
• Department: Political Science
• Course: Political Science 1020E
• Professor: Nigmendra Narain

Document Summary

Polisci lecture 9 october 6th: (cid:862)the (cid:374)ature a(cid:374)d li(cid:373)its of the po(cid:449)er (cid:449)hi(cid:272)h (cid:272)a(cid:374) (cid:271)e legiti(cid:373)atel(cid:455) e(cid:454)er(cid:272)ised (cid:271)(cid:455) so(cid:272)iet(cid:455) o(cid:448)er the i(cid:374)di(cid:448)iduals. (cid:863) mill, o(cid:374) liberty, chapter 1, para. 1: the need to restrict both state and society (public opinion) in both their ability to shape conduct. History of the idea of liberty: four stages in the history of relations between individuals and authority, throughout this history, the meanings of liberty and tyranny have changed. First stage: contest between subjects and the government, liberty means protection of society against the tyranny of political rulers, the protections are political rights and constitutional checks. Second stage: development of democratic government, liberty means popular self-rule, rulers are the ruled, so (it was thought) there is no need to limit government power. Third stage: recognition that the political majority can be tyrannical over the minority, liberty is democratic government with protection for minorities.