John Stuart Mill

Definition

John Stuart Mill was a 19th-century English philosopher and political economist, known for his contributions to liberalism and utilitarianism. He is particularly recognized for developing the concept of individual liberty and advocating for the greatest happiness principle, which serves as a foundational element in ethical decision-making frameworks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mill's utilitarianism builds on Jeremy Bentham's earlier work but adds qualitative differences in pleasures, emphasizing higher intellectual and moral pleasures over mere physical satisfaction.
2. He argued for women's rights, notably in 'The Subjection of Women', advocating for gender equality and the importance of women's participation in society.
3. Mill believed in the importance of individuality and self-expression, seeing them as essential for personal development and societal progress.
4. His work 'On Liberty' outlines his views on freedom of thought and expression, arguing that silencing any opinion is an injustice against humanity.
5. Mill's ideas laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought and continue to influence contemporary discussions on ethics, politics, and social justice.

Review Questions

• How does John Stuart Mill's philosophy connect individual liberty with ethical decision-making frameworks?
  • John Stuart Mill's philosophy emphasizes the importance of individual liberty as a fundamental right, which ties closely with ethical decision-making frameworks that prioritize personal freedoms. His Harm Principle supports this connection by asserting that individuals should have the autonomy to make choices unless those choices harm others. This principle helps create a foundation for evaluating ethical dilemmas where personal freedom and collective well-being intersect.
• In what ways did Mill's utilitarianism expand upon earlier concepts of utility, and how does this impact ethical decision-making today?
  • Mill expanded utilitarianism by introducing qualitative distinctions between pleasures, asserting that intellectual and moral pleasures are superior to mere physical ones. This nuanced approach impacts ethical decision-making today by encouraging consideration of the broader consequences of actions beyond immediate outcomes. It emphasizes the need for a balanced evaluation of both short-term satisfaction and long-term welfare, guiding individuals in making more informed ethical choices.
• Evaluate how John Stuart Mill's views on liberty and individuality contribute to modern understandings of social justice.
  • John Stuart Mill's views on liberty and individuality significantly contribute to modern understandings of social justice by advocating for personal freedoms and the necessity of diverse perspectives in society. His assertion that individuality is essential for personal growth informs contemporary discussions on inclusivity and representation in social structures. By promoting the idea that all voices should be heard, Mill's philosophy encourages a more equitable society where individual rights are respected and valued, ultimately leading to greater social justice.

Related terms

Utilitarianism:

An ethical theory that suggests that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, typically defined as that which produces the greatest well-being of the greatest number of people.

Liberty: The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views; a key concept that Mill emphasized.

Harm Principle: A principle proposed by Mill stating that individuals should be free to act however they want unless their actions cause harm to others, highlighting the balance between personal freedom and societal responsibility.