Mill On Liberty Analysis

The freedom of opinion, and the further freedom of expression that it entails, is a key element of Mill’s theory in On Liberty. Mill explores the need for these liberties to be unhindered by any authority, in order to have a society that strives towards the accumulation of knowledge. Mill asserts this claim using four key arguments that refute the suppression of any opinions and promote a vigorous struggle amongst ideas that will reveal the truth in contesting theories. Without this competition amongst opinions, Mill claims that many social doctrines will “be in danger of being lost or enfeebled” (pg.116) because it’s adherents will not have to fight for legitimacy. These arguments lead Mill to claim that for liberty to be at its most effective,
This shows a clear division from social authority, giving even the most obscure minority the ability to practice their own liberties despite the majoritarian opinion on a subject. However, it is important to note that in certain instances Mill does allow for an appropriate authority to limit this liberty. Interference is justifiable when an individual is making himself “a nuisance to other people” (pg 119). This section of the text does slightly flaw Mill’s former argument by widening the definition of harm to that which can be controlled by the majority of society and their definition of nuisance behaviour. Therefore, whilst Mill’s theory of freedom of expression is a staple of liberalism, there are ways in which it allows for the interference of authority that undermines it’s core argument for individual
This concept within the book is commonly coined the Harm Principle, and it suggests the interference of appropriate authority in cases of illegitimate, other regarding harm. This restricts the autonomy of the individual to act autonomously and draws on a utilitarian mode of thinking for greater social well-being. To gain a cohesive society, Mill is willing to allow restrictions on liberty that will create order within a community. However, this principle also allows for a wide range of liberty amongst self-regarding actions and other-regarding actions that cause legitimate or no harm. This still allows for the previously explored liberties of opinion and the pursuit of interests, whilst ensuring no one can remove another individual’s rights or well-being