On Liberty, a philosophical work by John Stuart Mill, published in 1859 discuses ethical system of utilitarianism of the society and the state. In it, Mill advocates the rights of the individual against Society, with special emphasis to the importance of individuality. The main focus of this book is on nature and the limits of power which can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual. Among others, Mill examines the questions of whether one or more persons should be able to curtail another person's freedom, to express a divergent point of view and whether there are instances when society can legitimately limit individual liberty. On Liberty remained one of the most read works of the political philosophy to this day.
Contents:
Of the Liberty of Thought and Discussion
Of Individuality, as One of the Elements of Well-being
Of the Limits to the Authority of Society Over the Individual
Applications
Carlijn
10-12-2024
Echt een politiek basiswerk. Ben dit gaan lezen naar aanleiding van de verkiezingsuitslag en het heeft me niet teleurgesteld: het is een oud boek, maar zeker nog steeds enorm relevant. Mill benadrukt dat de zoektocht naar vrijheid in moderne democratieën niet alleen gaat over bescherming tegen tirannieke leiders, maar ook tegen de “tirannie van de meerderheid.” “But as the king of the vultures would be no less bent upon preying on the flock than any of the minor harpies, it was indispensable to be in a perpetual attitude of defence against his beak and claws.” “The aim, therefore, of patriots, was to set limits to the power which the ruler should be suffered to exercise over the community; and this limitation was what they meant by liberty.” • Mill waarschuwt dat in democratische samenlevingen niet alleen de staat, maar ook de meerderheid van de samenleving de rechten van minderheden kan onderdrukken. Hij pleit voor bescherming tegen deze vorm van sociale tirannie: “The people, consequently, may desire to oppress a part of their number; and precautions are as much needed against this, as against any other abuse of power.” “People are accustomed to believe, and have been encouraged in the belief by some who aspire to the character of philosophers, that their feelings, on subjects of this nature, are better than reasons, and render reasons unnecessary.” “The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant.” “A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury.” Mill benadrukt dat vrijheid de kern is van een rechtvaardige samenleving, maar dat deze vrijheid grenzen heeft. De enige legitieme reden om in te grijpen in iemands vrijheid is om schade aan anderen te voorkomen. Mill pleit voor een evenwicht tussen persoonlijke autonomie en sociale verantwoordelijkheid, terwijl hij waarschuwt voor zowel staatsmacht als sociale druk die individuele vrijheid kunnen onderdrukken.
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