Defining Theor Y Behind J S Mill

Defining Theor Y Behind J. S. Mill’s “On Liberty” Essay, Research Paper

After suffering a severe bout of depression during his twenties, John Stuart Mill found himself modifying the views he had learned from his father. Conceiving mentally his own opinions to supply valuable insights from authors with whom he sometimes had the most complex disagreements. He believed that any opinions might prove fallible, and that the recognition that this was so was the prerequisite for intellectual progress and the core of intellectual integrity (Mill XIII). Making an incomparable contribution to our cognition of a theme of superior importance: the character and extent of liberty in the democratic age, who would have known students would study the defining theory behind J.S. Mill s political writing, On Liberty.

Let us examine Mill s definition of utilitarianism and liberalism along with discussing his assumptions about human nature, the social order, and the flow of history. In conclusion, we will explore the possibility of Mill either being an original thinker or a product and reflection of his age.

Mill defines utilitarianism, …that laws and social arrangements should place the happiness, or (as speaking practically it may be called) the interest, or every individual as nearly as possible in harmony with the interest of the whole; and secondly, that education and opinion, which have so vast a power over human character, should so use that power as to establish in the mind of every individual an indissoluble association between his own happiness and the good of the whole; especially between his own happiness and the practice of such modes of conduct, negative and positive, as regard for the universal happiness prescribes; so that not only he may be unable to conceive the amenability of happiness to himself,

consistently with conduct opposed to the general good may be in every individual one of the habitual motives of action, and the sentiments connected therewith may fill a large and prominent place in every human beings sentient existence (Mill 115). Mill extends a foundation for us to visualize that in a democratic society the greater number of the whole will ascertain and set limits to tolerance. Mill believed this would result in the tyranny of the majority (Mill XVIII). Since majorities have been infamous for branding certain activities of society damaging while the non-majority may view it as being harmless we are enlightened by this reinforced definition by reason of if the majority decides what is and is not harmful to society it will lead to a tense relationship between liberty and democracy while disheartening the individual.

Mill s explanation of liberalism is contained in several categories. It comprises, first, the inward domain of consciousness, demanding liberty of conscience in the most comprehensive sense, liberty of thought and feeling, absolute freedom of opinion and sentiment on all subjects, practical or speculative, scientific, moral, or theological.. Secondly, the principle requires liberty of tastes and pursuits, of framing the plow of our life to suit our own character, of doing as we like, subject to such consequences as may follow, without impediment from our fellow creatures, so long as what we do does not harm them, even though they should think our conduct foolish, perverse or wrong. Thirdly, from this liberty of each individual follows the liberty, within the same limits of combination among individuals; freedom to unite for any purpose not involving harm to others: the persons combining being supposed to be of full age and not forced or deceived (Mill 12). Mill s explanation of liberalism sets guidelines for individuals to pursue happiness or good in their own fashion. Liberty and freedom are the most important elements of well being or happiness (Mill XVIII). A powerful supporter of individual liberty, Mill s foundation of utilitarianism and his guidelines of liberalism can be interwoven and brought forth to explain his assumptions of human nature.

Mill s aspect of human nature deals primarily with the relationship between utilitarianism, liberalism, and happiness. For Mill, happiness could be obtained if critical judgment and choice were developed and employed (Mill XIV). Mill contrasts primitive societies who accept ready-made beliefs and values with the existence of humans who think for themselves and prepare to place distance between themselves and traditional lifestyles. Expanding on this, if we accept and engraft Mill s definitions of utilitarianism and liberalism we can determine and intensify his assumption on human nature. Specifically, if you have the ability to choose your own path in life (the freedom that liberalism offers) and live in a society where you are able to exercise that capability (a society built on utilitarian thought) then you can achieve happiness. After the individual develops the capacity for critical judgment and choice he or she will be able to employ these aspects and know their place and purpose in society. On our own accord, we have the opportunity to increase our knowledge, experience, wisdom, critical judgment, and choice. With the guidelines of liberalism, we can decide on enhancing ourselves. We all have the ability to become great contributors to society. The decision to do this is ours.

We are aware Mill believed not all individuals are created equal and some are gr