JOHN STUART MILL'S CONCEPT OF LIBERTY:
The era of John Stuart Mill was the nineteenth century. During this period, the state was gradually expanding its scope of control and was moving the political, social and economic spheres of life from individual domination to collective control through laws. As a result, the existence of the individual was being lost in the society. Stuart Mill was against the exploitation of individual’s rights. In view of these circumstances, he undertook to protect the freedom of the individual. In his essay in 1859 "On Liberty” he examined the relationship between the state and Individual in. He writes about freedom in it:
"If it were felt that the free development of
individuality is one of the leading essentials of well being; that it is not
only a coordinate element with all that is designated by the terms
civilization, instruction, education, culture, but it is itself a necessary
part and condition of all these things; there would be no danger that liberty
should be undervalued."
Following are the important aspects of the John Stuart
Mill’s concept of Liberty:
i:- Individualism.
ii:- Personal Freedoms.
iii:- Minimum Interference by State.
iv:- Positive Impulses.
v:- Limitations on Liberty.
vi:- Revolt Against Tyranny.
vii:- Moral Values.
viii:- Liberty Of Women.
ix:- Right To Own Property.
x:- Disagreement With Law.
xi:- Democracy Best Form Of Government.
1:-
INDIVIDUALITY:
Stuart Mill was a great supporter of individualism. He
emphasizes giving full political, economic, social and cultural freedom to the
individual. He opposes the state guiding the individual step by step and
interfering in his personal affairs. He divides the personality of an
individual into two parts. One is connected to individual’s self and the second
is related to his social life. Mill says that every individual is free in his personal
matters because he knows about his personal benefits himself very well.
2:-
PERSONAL FREEDOMS:
Mill emphasizes the following five freedoms for every person:
i:- Freedom of conscience.
ii:- Freedom of thought.
iii:- Business and freedom of choice.
iv:- Freedom of assembly.
v:- Freedom of religion and morals.
Stuart Mill values freedom of thought very much. He says
that the state should give full freedom to individuals to express their
opinion. According to him, customs do not guarantee the correctness of any
opinion. Freedom of thought helps in developing of individuals personality.
3:-
MINIMUM INTERFERENCE BY STATE:
Mill says that the state should interfere as little as
possible in the affairs of individuals. According to him, depriving individuals
of their freedom or restricting their freedom is dangerous for both the society
and the individual because without freedom of speech and writing, man cannot
live. Depriving these rights creates negative feelings, so people should be
given full freedom of thought, business and religion. He only allows the state
to interfere with individual liberty in one case.
Here is the case in his own words:
"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."
4:-
POSITIVE IMPULSES:
According to Stuart Mill, human desires are positive and his
thinking is constructive.
5:-
LIMITATIONS ON LIBERTY:
In his theory of freedom, where Mill emphasizes on giving
full freedom to the individual, he also imposes some restrictions on him. For
example, a person should protect others from danger and not harm them. He
should take care of the welfare of the society because it is the source of
individual freedoms.
6:- REVOLT AGAINST TYRANNY:
John Stuart Mill does not allow the supreme power to
interfere unduly with individual liberties. He allows individuals to protect
their freedom against oppressive measures.
7:-
MORAL VALUES:
According to Mill, moral values are very important. He
says that everyone should practice them and even if it is painful to adhere to
certain moral values, they should still be adopted because they lead to freedom
and happiness.
8:-
LIBERTY OF WOMEN:
Stuart Mill is a great supporter of women's freedom. He says
that women are an important part of society, so they should get equal rights to
men. It should be remembered that due to Mill's ideas, women got the right to
vote in England.
9:-
RIGHT TO OWN PROPERTY:
Mill gives individuals the right to property. He says that
the right to property not only inculcates feelings of patriotism in individuals
but also inculcates a sense of responsibility in them. Private ownership helps
social development and thus society stability is obtained.
10:- DISAGREEMENT WITH LAW:
John Stuart Mill believed that the more laws a state
imposes, the less individual liberties there are.
He gives the state minimal rights to interfere in the
private affairs of individuals.
11:-
DEMOCRACY BEST FORM OF GOVERNMENT:
According to Mill, democracy is the best form of government.
He says that each individual understands his own interests better and can
protect them better. Democracy means rule by the majority. He emphasizes
representative democracy, but this form of government also suffers from two
types of dangers: First, it involves the ignorant class in the government.
Secondly, that the government goes into the hands of a class whose interests
are not compatible with the welfare of the community.
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