Struggle of Freedom and Power

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Recommended: John Stuart Mill on liberty and individuality

Struggle of Freedom and Power Throughout history, it has been widely acknowledged that there has

been a struggle between freedom and power and undeniably, this debate

continues well into the 21st century. John Stuart Mill's essay On

Liberty raises the point of whether in fact laws help to enforce

liberty or whether in fact they act contrary to that objective by

destroying it. Mill emphasises that the only purpose for power being

rightfully exercised over any member of society, against his or her

will, is to prevent harm to others. "the only part of the conduct of

anyone for which he is amenable to society is that which concerns

others" (Mill; 1989; pp 204). This fundamental concept is referred to

as the 'Harm Principle'. The basic premise of Mill's 'Harm principle'

is that a person should be able to make their own decisions and thus

live with the respective consequences, but no one else should have to

live with these consequences arising from that decision. "The only

purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of

a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others"

(Mill 1989). To attain liberty, Mill states that it is imperative to

have a strong and varied set of laws.

A key theme underlying Mill's 'Harm Principle' is the protection of

the rights of individuals in society, of which one's right to their

own opinion is an integral component. Thus, over time, a freer

civilisation is able to be created by promoting freedom of expression,

allowing individuals in society to make their own decisions and to

exercise freedom of speech...

... middle of paper ...

... that no society can function properly without such limitations in

practice.

The 'Harm Principle' sets out a number of interesting points

pertaining to the achievement of individual freedom and right within

the greater society. However, Mill states, in On Liberty that

individual rights and freedoms can only be achieved when there are

limits and constraints in place. Thus, Mill argues the importance of a

range of strict guidelines which should be followed by everyone in

society to prevent others from being affected by another human being's

actions whilst at the same time still allowing personal autonomy.

REFERENCES

Gray, S. - "On liberty in focus", London1991.

Mill, J.S. - "On liberty", John W. Parker and Son, West Strand, London

1859

Mill, J.S. - "On Liberty", Cambridge University Press, London, 1989

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