Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - John Stuart Mill, On Liberty, Paternalism
8 Oct 2013
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Utilitarian: appeals to utility in defending free will. Wrote on liberty: the nature and limits of the power which can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual , mentioned the need to restrict both state and society (public opinion) in their ability to shape conduct. History of relations between individuals and authority. Throughout history, the meanings of liberty and tyranny have changed. 4 stages of social development: contest between subjects and government. Presumes that the two sides are antagonistic. In this case, liberty means protection of society against tyranny of political rulers. Protection = political rights, constitutional checks: development of democratic government. Rulers are the ruled, so (it was thought) there was no need to limit government power: recognition that political majority can be tyrannical over political. In this case, liberty means a democratic government with protection for minorities. Bill of basic rights: threat of social tyranny: tyranny of prevailing opinion and feeling.
