J.E.B. Stuart

When the United States of America was formed, the founding fathers sought to create a nation in which its citizens’ rights were fully and rightfully protected under the law. Thus, the Constitution was written to ensure that these rights were noted and well established for the people, by the people. The First Amendment to the US Constitution states in part: “Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to…

Free speech is often seen as key tenant to liberal ideology. Liberal ideology is the ‘commitment to the individual and the desire to construct a society in which people can satisfy their interests and achieve fulfilment’ (Heywood 2012:24). Liberalism promotes individualism and is resistant to forms of control, especially government control, that remove an individual’s freedom. Classical liberalism encourages only minimal role of the state with no interference in the private lives of…

always choosing the action that benefits everyone would ultimately hold people back. I will discuss both sides to utilitarianism, how it can be beneficially and harmful. In doing so, I will explore John Stuart Mill’s side as he supports utilitarianism, as well as the opposition. First off, John Stuart Mill is one of the many supports of utilitarianism as he uses the idea of happiness,…

As the new Republic was in its early infancy stages of starting to enact its newly gained powers, questions began to arise about the liberties and equalities of others. Richard Allen, a preacher and former slave, spoke out about certain liberties that were granted to him. Early in his life, his master treated all his slaves with respect, kindness and was viewed as a father to all his slaves. Allen’s master not only allowed his slaves the freedom to attend church meetings, but permitted his…

Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral theory, where actions are judged right or wrong solely by virtue of their consequences which was introduced by Jeremy Bentham and later carried out by John Stuart Mill (Kemerling,2011). In regards to the consequences the only importance is the amount of happiness or unhappiness that was produced. In regards to utilitarianism it is believed that everyone counts as one, and no one counts as less or more than another person. And that a person should do…

In On Liberty, John Stuart Mill outlines his unique political theory based on the liberty of men in society. His argument stands out because it is not typical social contract theory. It does not begin by examining men in the state of nature, it does not outline an ideal government structure, and the contract itself is vague, though not without a purpose. Mill establishes a social contract through the unconventional means of the “harm principle.” Through it he creates an agreement among men in a…

promote happiness and wrong if they do the opposite with happiness being defined as pleasure and the lack of pain, while the definition pleasure varies in quality and quantity. Utilitarianism is also known as the Greatest Happiness Principle. John Stuart Mill the author of these essays depicting utilitarianism argued that happiness is the main foundation for morality and it is the main desire people have in life and is the only reason rights exists. Mill also argued that a foundation is required…

There is a grey area when it comes to differentiating what is considered to be practising one’s freedom of speech or being offensive to those around them. Since there is no concrete definition on what can be considered to be ‘freedom of speech’, John Stuart Mill, author of On Liberty focuses on prohibiting the government from limiting freedom of speech and allowing citizens to have no limitations on their speech under the exception of harming others.…

In chapter 2 of On Liberty John Stuart Mill argues in favor of liberty of thought and expression in the case of opinions and beliefs. He points out that opinions are structured as such that they are either true or false. If one adamantly believes that the opinion they hold is the truth they are assuming infallibility. Mill maintains that we should accept our mistakes. On the other hand he alludes to the notion that the admission of fallibility may lead to inaction. In the interest of Mills…

Aristotle and John Stuart Mill were two famous philosophers known for their studies in politics. Aristotle believes the best form of government is a polis, while Mill believes a more laid back structure is better. He believes the people should be ruled by the harm principles. Although they have very different ideas on how the people should be ruled, there are many similarities between the two. Aristotle was a great philosopher from the BC era. He had very strong views on how the…