The Liberty Principle and its Exceptions: A coherent reading of Mill’s theory and its application in On Liberty

Abstract

On Liberty can be read as consisting of two separate parts, Mill’s theory as summarised in the Liberty Principle, and its application as represented by his examples and policies. The at times conflicting relationship between the two has resulted in accusations of incoherency being thrown against Mill’s magnum opus. The goal of this thesis is to prove the coherency of On Liberty and provide an answer to the question of when society can interfere and what it can do when it does. The thesis will constrain itself to four theoretical limitations that will provide structure and ensure that the thesis’ findings are as close to Mill’s original position as possible while discussing the topics of utility, paternalism and the jurisdiction of society. Furthermore, the thesis will introduce a new way of understanding Mill’s examples and policies by reducing them into algorithms capable of accurately representing and comparing large amounts of information. The thesis concludes that On Liberty is coherent, with Mill allowing society a surprising amount of leeway in matters pertaining to the public, whilst simultaneously sanctifying the private sphere for the individual.