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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 5 page paper takes a look at truth and liberty as conveyed by John Stuart Mill's essay On Liberty. Some quotes are used. No additional sources cited.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA119lib.doc
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
and truth. Can liberty be limited for the sake of truth? Should it be? If so, how would such a project be attempted and who would govern it? Above all,
Mill writes about liberty. What is liberty to Mill? The term liberty provokes feelings of freedom and what the founders meant for America. When liberty is discussed today in that
context, many equate liberty with absolute freedom. Libertarians in the twenty-first century support scant government intervention. While Mill wrote On Liberty, he did not support such a view, at least
in the broad aspect of its implication. In fact, the philosopher supports the governments right to exercise control in order to serve the greater good of society. Here, individual freedom
is less valuable than serving the larger number of people. In essence, when discussing freedom of expression, the good of society must enter the picture. Mill was, above all, a
utilitarian and believed that the greatest happiness for the greatest number should be achieved. This might mean imposing limitations. However, he did believe in liberty in much the same way
that libertarians do today. He did not believe in intervention unless necessary and in that way, there is a similarity. Mill does say "the only purpose for which power can
be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others" (Mill PG). Thus, he does advocate freedom to a great extent,
but not to the extent that it hurts others. A common example of restriction on freedoms provided by the first amendment is that one cannot yell "fire" in a crowded
theatre. Why? While people have freedom to say what they like, they cannot incite a situation that puts others in danger. Therefore, according to Mill and most who write on
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