John Stuart Mill

On Liberty (1806-1813)

-concerned w/ power that can be exercised legitimately over the individual

-Greatest threat=gov’t

-Mill concerned with… Society \ Societal, norms

Majority / Customs, traditions

Freedom of Expression

-liberty of press, freedom of speech + opinion is protection against gov’t

Reasons why speech can’t be silenced

1. No majority can silence minority

2. Silenced opinion might be true

3. Even if wrong might contain portion of truth

4. Truth Must be challenged to believe it is truth

Harm Principle

Justified to put limits on ind. liberty

1. Self-regarding: only impacts you victimless crime

2. Other-regarding:impacts others

The Subjection of Women: Critiques marriage

*argues that marriage is like slavery for women

|_Calls into question liberal notion of choice + freedom

|_ do women freely choose marriage?

|_do they consent?

|_Other professions closed to women

No econ opportunity

No political opportunities

Women are property

Unpaid labor

-servants to husband

-permission to act

-no divorce

-No rights-D.V.

Educ women

Extends rights to women vote + serve in office

|_Divorce Act

Reform Social/Tradition