Stuart Mill Individualism

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When analyzing the role of an individual within society, one must consider whether the individual retains sovereignty and autonomy under the weight of the society 's jurisdiction and power. John Stuart Mill and John Locke developed philosophies concerning the balance between society 's right to govern and regulate its people, and the right of the individual to access and express their human liberties fully. Mill 's philosophy emphasizes the importance of individualism and nonconformity in a society, and advocates that a just government is one that represents the interests of its people. Similarly, Locke 's philosophy also defines an ideal government by its duty to uphold the liberties of its people. Concerning the extent to which each individual has an obligation to society, both philosophers detail that if an individual lives under a just and democratic society, they have an obligation to promote its advancement, and obey its mandates. Expanding upon that principle, Locke contends that humans live in a state of Nature, and must adhere to the law of Nature (Locke 76). However, presenting a stipulation to their philosophies concerning the sovereignty of the individual, both philosophers concede that society undeniably has jurisdiction over the individual in one circumstance: when the actions of the individual physically harm, offend, or impose upon other individuals in the society. Locke begins The Second Treatise on Civil Government by denouncing monarchical governments due to their disregard of the interests and wellbeing of their peoples. Locke’s philosophy advocates for a government that derives its power and influence from the approval of the people it governs. Under such a government, Locke envisions the creation of an egalitarian society in which each man receives an equitable share of the earth’s resources, and behaves in a respectable and affectionate manner towards his neighbor; Locke writes that the natural state of man is one of equality, and mutual affection (Locke 77). Locke contends that there are laws that govern the natural state of man, and that every individual must adhere to and follow the laws in order to maintain the stability of the society. To further the argument Locke states that according to the “Law of Nature…which obliges everyone…no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions” (Locke 78). An individual’s obligation to society is to uphold the tenets of the laws of Nature by respecting the sovereignty and civil liberties of other individuals—with the respect of a person’s personal possessions and absence of violence being the two most important tenets to uphold. Locke’s philosophy emphasizes the condemnation and punishment an individual would receive if they were to purposefully detract from a neighbor’s possessions, or commit violent actions upon another individual. Under the aforementioned circumstances, Locke argues that it is within the right of the society to have jurisdiction over the individual. Locke writes that if a man, “Invaded his neighbor’s share…he offended against the common law of Nature, and was liable to be punished” (Locke 93). The task of deciding and, subsequently, enforcing the punishment lies within the scope of society’s jurisdiction and influence …show more content…
Respecting the sovereignty and autonomy of the individual is of the utmost importance to Mill and he begins his text by speaking of a government, and society, that fully recognizes the human liberties of its people, and actively avoids overstepping the scope of its influence over individual lives. Mill argues that governments and societies must recognize the sovereignty of the individuals that comprise their population, and qualifies his argument by stating, "Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign" (Mill 9). Therefore, although individuals live under the jurisdiction of their society, they retain control over their thoughts, opinions, lifestyle preferences, and actions. Mill states that the only circumstance under which a society should exercise its jurisdiction over an individual is to prevent the individual from committing violence acts against other people. Mill furthers the argument, stating, “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 9). Society can only exercise its jurisdiction over an individual’s actions when those actions pose a direct detriment to other

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