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Mills debate on liberty
Philosophy 301
Mills has two very different theories on how political philosophy should be organized. First is his Utilitarianism view which is that a society will do what is better for the majority of people to make them happiest. Mills next concept is liberty is based on the rights every individual has to pursue his own view of happiness. According to Mills the only time individual rights can be restricted by a government is when he is harming another individual's rights. The underlying greatest challenge to political philosophy according to Mill's, is where we distinguish the line between harm of the individual and restriction of their civil liberties. This has always been a challenging question because either way you look at it someone is losing either their rights or is allowed to be harmed for the greater good of society.
Having these liberties is what is defined as freedom. Freedom is pursing your own good in your own way. Mills idea is to live well to yourself rather than forcing your idea of what is good upon someone else. I think that Mills is absolutely right in booth of these ideas I believe that everyone's most valuable right as a citizen is the right to freedom. I also agree with his point that you should follow your own notion of freedom first. Concentrate on what you are doing with your life instead of worrying about others. Event though you may feel very strongly that you way of life is the best way of life, it doesn't matter because everyone is entitled to their own version of freedom.
Mills states that "That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilization community against his will is to prevent the
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harm of others."(Mi ...