Civic Virtue: Rousseau & Mill

what is the difference between the importance of civic virtue to Mill and to Rousseau?

Rousseau’s proposition for the Social Contract is dependent on civic virtue whereas Mill’s argument for liberty guided by the harm principles designed to counter bad civic character (to prevent social tyranny where other people impose on other people’s free will)

how is Rousseau’s proposition dependent on civic virtue?

for laws to be governed by the general will, voting must be guided by the common good rather than personal interests

how do the differences in the importance of civic virtue to Rousseau and Mill highlight differences in their priorities?

While Rousseau’s civil religion demands some level of homogeneousness, Mill values individuality the most.

For Rousseau the aspect of self governance is more important than the preservation of individuality: he is more focused on the legitimacy of the law

he values people as citizens rather than individuals because he believes this is what empowers them by enabling them to govern themselves

what does Rousseau require citizens to do?

identify with the common good

obey laws as expressions of the general will

requires active participation to facilitate general will

what is civic virtue?

public spiritedness

willingness to debate rationally

respect for other’s rights