Topic > John Stuart Mill on Liberty - 549

Topic 1John Stuart Mill included various sets of principles under "the proper region of liberty." Of these principles, Mill listed the first in such a way as to encompass them in a single category. According to Mill, the first principle included “the internal dominion of conscience; demand freedom of conscience, in the broadest sense; freedom of thought and feeling... or theological". Within this principle, individuals have the right to choose what they want and to coin a freedom that concerns them. Furthermore, Mill included the freedom to express opinions and let individuals do what they want; keeping in mind that their action does not harm other individuals. Furthermore, Mill also stated that in a democratic and free state, individuals should not be “forced or deceived”. According to Mill, no society can be considered free if these principles are not followed. Therefore, to be a democratic and free state, citizens must have the ability to choose to follow these principles. Mill described the maximum point at which a government is obliged to interfere with its citizens. He believed that a government should only use its power against individuals who are influenced to “[do] an act offensive to others”1. In his book, Mill states: “The only part of anyone's conduct for which he is available to society is that which concerns others.”1 On these types of situations, Mill illustrated that the government should intervene and assist his people from danger. Furthermore, Mill believes that it is necessary to treat the criminal with a fair approach and execute a "court of justice"1 to demonstrate his "just share in the common defense"1. Mill also discussed why individuals should care about tyrannies. In his book, Mile says, “the 'tyranny of the majority' [are the] evils against which society must be on its guard.” He believes that a society should be warned against the tyranny of the majority because it is dangerous. He also believes that a democratic society is an effective and successful approach to defending these tyrannies. According to Mill, having a self-governing society does not express people. However, if people came together as one, it would benefit the state and also ensure that tyranny does not exist within the state. Based on my reading of An Essay on the Duties of Man Addressed to the Worker, Giuseppe Mazzini would have agreed with certain of Mill's ideas.