3.6 Thinking for Yourself: J.S. Mill's On Liberty

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes discussing the importance of thinking for yourself, individuality, and freedom, drawing upon J.S. Mill's 'On Liberty'.

Think for yourself

Make up your own mind, as opposed to believing something due to peer pressure or authority.

Uncritical thinking

Accepting what you’re told without questioning or making up your own mind.

Identity

Invokes sameness, often in relation to a group; duplicates/clones are identical.

Individuality

Invokes division and difference; 'to individuate' is to divide from or distinguish.

Human flourishing

An essential part of being human where individuality is freely expressed, according to J.S. Mill.

Conformity

Obedience to the majority, custom, or power; considered anti-liberty.

Despotism

Whatever crushes individuality, regardless of its source (God or men).

Mediocrity

A result of conformity, which prevents progress and flourishing.

Liberty

A condition that allows people to be the best they can be and a source of improvement.

Genius

Requires freedom to develop and is more individual than others, often stifled by societal molds.

Eccentricity

Non-conformity and a refusal to bend to custom; indicative of strength of character.

Dignity

Compromised when one is controlled, forced, coerced, or oppressed.

Progress

Social, scientific, artistic, and economic advancement for society as a whole facilitated by individual freedom.

Ape-like imitation

Conformity, mediocrity, and submission/obedience to authority, according to Mill.