ON LIBERTY – The Philosophy of Individual Freedom by John Stuart Mill, W. L. Courtney

On Liberty, a philosophical work by John Stuart Mill, published in 1859 discuses ethical system of utilitarianism of the society and the state. In it, Mill advocates the rights of the individual against Society, with special emphasis to the importance of individuality. The main focus of this book is on nature and the limits of power which can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual. Among others, Mill examines the questions of whether one or more persons should be able to curtail another person’s freedom, to express a divergent point of view and whether there are instances when society can legitimately limit individual liberty. On Liberty remained one of the most read works of the political philosophy to this day.
Contents:
Of the Liberty of Thought and Discussion
Of Individuality, as One of the Elements of Well-being
Of the Limits to the Authority of Society Over the Individual
Applications