Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Power Car, John Stuart Mill, Pierre Trudeau
15 Sep 2014
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Document Summary
Lecture 9: october 8: the place of liberty: the liberty principle , freedom of thought and discussion, harm to others. The nature and limits of the 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. History of relations between individuals and authority. Throughout this history, the meaning of liberty and tyranny have changed. 4 stages of social development: contest between subjects and the government. Liberty means protection of society against tyranny of political rulers. Political rights , constitutional checks: development of democratic government. Rulers are the ruled, so (it was thought) there is no need to limit 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 society over individual/ prevailing opinion and feeling. Mill rejects appeals to customs, traditions, a popular morality.
