John Stuart Mill

what were JSM’s main contributions to liberalism

harm principle and tolerance

key JSM quote regarding the harm principle

“over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign”

what are the 2 distinguishing factors in the harm principle

self-regarding actions and other-regarding actions

what are self regarding actions

actions that only affect the individual undertaking them like personal beliefs. the state has no right to intervene here, even f the person is harming themselves (e.g. drugs)

what are other- regarding actions

actions that directly impact or cause tangible injury to other people (e.g. physical assault). the state is justified to interfere here to protect the rights of others

what are individuals according to JSM

“sovereign entities” who use their free will

what does JSM say in regards to tolerance

that we must be wary of public opinion as it tells everyone to behave in the same way and crushes self-expression

whats JSM’s solution in regards to public opinion crushing self expression

we need “experiments in living” to allow us to live life to the fullest

what does JSM say we should not force

our opinion on others unless we are certain of their truth- instead we must debate and discuss

what does debating and discussing allow

it allows us to question belief’s and innovate; this requires us to be tolerant of the views of others

what was JSM fearful of

mob rules and its association with tyranny of the majority

according to JSM what do individuals rights need to be higher value than

national sovereignty