Liberty

Arguing About Philosophy Series

  • This series provides an introduction to key subjects in philosophy with a vibrant set of readings designed to intrigue new students.

  • Unlike standard anthologies that feature outdated extracts, this collection includes fresh philosophical text paired with often neglected readings from related disciplines like popular science, film, and fiction.

  • Each volume is curated by notable editors who introduce and contextualize the readings, making it an engaging starting point for diving into philosophical discussions.

Individual Volumes in the Series

  • Arguing About Knowledge
    Edited by Duncan Pritchard and Ram Neta

  • Arguing About Law
    Edited by John Oberdiek and Aileen Kanvanagh

  • Arguing About Metaethics
    Edited by Andrew Fisher and Simon Kirchin

  • Arguing About the Mind
    Edited by Brie Gertler and Lawrence Shapiro

  • Arguing About Art (3rd Edition)
    Edited by Alex Neill and Aaron Ridley

  • Arguing About Metaphysics
    Edited by Michael Rea

  • Arguing About Political Philosophy
    Edited by Matt Zwolinski

  • Arguing About Religion
    Edited by Kevin Timpe

  • Forthcoming Volume
    Arguing About Language
    Edited by Darragh Byrne and Max Kolbel

Publication Information

  • First Published: 2009 by Routledge, New York and London

  • ISBN Data:

    • ISBN-10: 0-415-99078-5 (hbk)

    • ISBN-10: 0-415-99079-3 (pbk)

    • ISBN-13: 978-0-415-99078-3 (hbk)

    • ISBN-13: 978-0-415-99079-0 (pbk)

  • Library of Congress Cataloging Info:
    Arguing about political philosophy / Matt Zwolinski, editor.

Chapter 33: John Stuart Mill - On Liberty

Overview of John Stuart Mill

  • Life Span: 1806-1873

  • Contribution: A prominent British philosopher and co-founder of the moral philosophy of utilitarianism alongside Jeremy Bentham.

  • Key Work: Mill's essay "On Liberty" (1859).

Harm Principle

  • Definition: The only legitimate grounds for interfering with an individual's liberty is to prevent harm to others.

  • Purpose: Acknowledging this principle limits society's authority over individuals significantly.

Distinction of Liberties

  • Civil/ Social Liberty: The nature and limits of power that society can legitimately exercise over individuals.

  • Historical Context: The historical struggle between Liberty and Authority traces back to ancient civilizations like Greece, Rome, and England.

Evolution of Liberty Concepts

  • Earlier notions of liberty involved protection against tyranny of rulers, manifested through political liberties or rights.

  • Modern concepts have evolved to see rulers as tenants or delegates instead of opposing forces, aligning rulers' interests with the governed's.

Authority’s Limits

  • The limitation of government power remains essential even in democratic contexts to prevent the tyranny of the majority.

  • Mill argues that society can exert pressure through public opinion, creating a social tyranny that could be more invasive than political oppression.

Individual Sovereignty

  • Individuals retain sovereignty over themselves, their bodies, and minds, as long as their actions do not harm others.

  • Applicability: This doctrine applies primarily to mature individuals, excluding children or those needing protection.

Self-Protection in Law

  • Individuals may be compelled legally to prevent harm to others but not for their personal good or happiness as mandated by others.

Human Development and Autonomy

  • Personal liberty includes the freedom to think, express opinions, pursue one's own tastes, and associate freely as long as such actions do not harm others.

  • Society's duty is to respect these liberties while maintaining a balance against actions that harm others.

Chapter 34: Isaiah Berlin - Two Concepts of Liberty

Overview of Isaiah Berlin

  • Life Span: 1909-1997

  • Role: Political philosopher renowned for defending individual liberty and value pluralism.

Concepts of Liberty

Negative Liberty

  • Definition: Freedom from interference by others; the absence of obstacles, barriers, or constraints on the individual.

  • Implication: The area where a person can act without hindrance is directly related to their freedom.

Positive Liberty

  • Definition: Freedom as self-mastery; the ability to be one's own master and control one's life.

  • Concern: This can lead to abuses by authorities asserting control over individuals under the guise of promoting their well-being.

Purpose of Liberty

  • Berlin emphasizes the necessity of individual freedom allowing people to make personal choices embodying their values.

  • Without the recognition of both negative and positive liberties, societies risk undermining personal autonomy.

Ethical Implications

  • The balance of personal liberty in relation to societal norms and laws is crucial.

  • Overreach into personal freedoms can lead to societal oppression disguised as moral obligation or societal good.

  • Mill’s and Berlin’s arguments contribute significantly to discussions about individual rights and the limits of governmental authority in personal conduct.