Individual Liberty

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John Stuarts Mills Theory of Individual liberty remains valid because it's uses a utilitarian framework in defining the principles of liberty. His Theory of individual liberty affirms non-conformity as beneficial to society, the harm principle gives a general guideline to the expression of freedom and it's limits, the utility of freedom is progressive in nature, thus must not be limited if society is to progress. In this utilitarian framework, he enforces the protection of individual liberty. In both cases it affirms the protection of the individual from his self and simultaneously prevents tyranny of majority opinion. His theory of individual liberty affirms non-conformity as beneficial to society and the individual. …show more content…

One's non-conformity utility value is in it's expression, thus not being able to express this living society invariably loses its benefit. Mills speaks of this benefit as the dissemination of different ideas and differing beliefs by which progresses the society forward. Doing so challenges the majority of opinion. Mills states “History teems with instances of truth put down by persecution. If not suppressed for ever, it may be thrown back for centuries.(Pp 36-37 On Liberty)” His theory of individual liberty remains valid because he identifies the value individual opinion over majority opinion. Like with non-conformity, typically it's persecuted by the society. These truths are then denied and the utility value is the expression of that freedom to the benefit of society. Doing so allows for greater happiness and progressive improvement to society that benefits all. The inherent value of utility to the society, is allowing for different experiments of living. Doing so allows the propagation of different ways of doing things different form the status quo. John Grays states in On Liberty,Utility, And Rights. “For, unless …show more content…

A conformist society leads to societal stagnation. The exercise of liberty of every individual from genius to buffoon is progresses society. Lanny Ebenstein states in Mill's Theory of Utility “ if we truly love our neighbors as ourselves, then there is nothing we can do more for them than to give our lives for them. Also, though, if we truly love our neighbors as ourselves, then nothing will give us greater pleasure than making such a sacrifice.(Pg.6)” What I believe affirms his theory of individual liberty most is appropriating the tolerability we one another. This quote supports my claim indirectly, a man who sacrifices himself for the happiness of another recognizes the value of his happiness. Mills makes this connection by extending it through the expression of the progression of liberty. Their exists a reciprocity by which society and the individual benefit. Society tolerates the expressiveness of liberty because it recognizes its benefit to itself. Mills says “ If the opinion is right, they are deprived of the opportunity of exchanging error for truth: if wrong, they lose, what is almost as great a benefit.(Pg 24. On Liberty) The progressive nature that pushes society forward is it's utility principle. With access to these uninhibited expressions of freedom, opinions freely flow, cultures expressed and ideas exchanged. The society then is able to discern what is of use and

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