- Mill begins On Liberty with a discussion of the “struggle between Liberty and Authority.” What does Mill say about this struggle, in the ancient and modern eras? What is the “tyranny of the majority” (social tyranny), and why is Mill concerned about it rather than more traditional (ancient) forms of tyranny?
- Mill says that “The object of this Essay is to assert one very simple principle…” What is that principle? To whom does this principle or doctrine apply? And, what limits does it put on the power of society over the individual?
Chapter II
- What is the “peculiar evil” of silencing the expression of an opinion, according to Mill? And, what is his first argument against silencing opinions?
- List and explain Mill’s four arguments against silencing opinions.
- Discuss the historical examples Mill uses in Book II (Socrates, Jesus, and Marcus Aurelius). Who are they, and how does their example illustrate or support Mill’s arguments?
Chapter III
- In Chapter III, Mill argues in favor of a limited liberty to act on one’s opinions, and his argument hinges in the value Mill puts on traits like individuality, spontaneity, genius, originality, and experiments of living. What is the value of these things to Mill? Why should we value and protect them, according to him?
- Is the value of the things listed in question #6 solely individual, or does Mill think that society as a whole benefits from protecting these things, as well? If so, how?
- What limits can society justly impose on the individual? And how does Mill respond to the claim that putatively “private” acts sometimes injure others, such as when one’s drinking leads to indebtedness, accidents, or crime? What does Mill have to say about whether or not society should intervene?
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