On Liberty, Chapter IV

John Stuart Mill, On Liberty ( Chapter IV) Conclusion: "Sovereignty of the individual over himself" Mill's ideology on the individual punishment is that it's in to be limited while criticism is free with no restrictions to that. Mill's Harm principle is summarized in the principle of actions to be punishable only when they harm others. " What I Contend for is, that the inconvenience which are strictly inseparable from the unfavorable judgment of others, are the only ones to which a person should ever be subjected for that portion of his conduct and character which concerns his own good, but which does not affect the interest of others in their relations with him." pp. 83 Premises: 1) Mill's idea on "Harm Principle" leads towards limiting liberty in order to avoid any harm to society in any way. 2) The concept of Harm principle is constructed on conception of social good. " ... The inconvenience is one which society can bear, for the sake of the greater good of human freedom." pp.87 3) Any social interest in restricting actions would have to overcome the social value of individuality. - Social interest could require major limitations on freedom. - Mill's "Harm Principle " is so high fought of because the good coming from individuality is socially beneficial. 4) Mill defends liberty of action using the examples of Banning pork in Muslim Countries, and another example he uses is the banning of polygamy. " The practice is really revolting to such a public. They also sincerely think that it is forbidden and abhorred by their Deity. neither could the prohibition be censured as religions persecution." pp.90 5) Social criticism of actions are ok and appropriate when they are limited to judgements, but boundaries must be set to unable any punitive action resulting from this criticism. - Mill believes that opinions are free but when it comes to taking actions them limits must be set based on the limitations and regulations set.