Chapter IV — Of the Limits to the Authority of Society

~39 min read · 7,879 words

OF THE LIMITS TO THE AUTHORITY OF SOCIETY OVER THE INDIVIDUAL

What, then, is the rightful limit to the sovereignty of the individual over himself? Where does the authority of society begin? How much of human life should be assigned to individuality, and how much to society?

Create a free account to read full chapters, save quotes, and annotate passages.

‹

Chapter III — Of Individuality

Chapter V — Applications

›

About This Book

On Liberty

John Stuart Mill

1859

AuthorJohn Stuart Mill

Published1859

BranchesPolitical Philosophy, Ethics

Chapters5

Buy on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Mill's defining statement of liberal political philosophy: a sustained argument that the only legitimate reason for society to restrict individual freedom is to prevent harm to others. Everything beyond that — thought, expression, lifestyle, association — belongs to the sovereign domain of the individual. Mill argues for absolute freedom of opinion and discussion (even of false opinions, since their suppression rots intellectual life), for the value of individuality against the tyranny of custom, and for strict limits on government and social coercion. Written with Harriet Taylor, to whom it is dedicated, On Liberty remains the most widely read text in liberal political thought.

Chapters

Chapter I — Introductory

Chapter II — Of the Liberty of Thought and Discussion

Chapter III — Of Individuality

Chapter IV — Of the Limits to the Authority of Society

Chapter V — Applications

Select a book or concept to begin

Philosophi