Analysing on Liberty by John Stuart Mill Essay Example for Free

Analysing on Liberty by John Stuart Mill Essay Humanity’s attempts to study the state of society have stretched back throughout the ages. From forefathers such as Socrates or Aristophanes to the great enlightenment philosophers of Locke or Voltaire, all have grappled with the questions of how humanity best functions as a collective. John Stuart Mill, hailed as a paradigmatic liberal political philosopher, continues this tradition of thought in his work On Liberty published in 1859. Mill’s major argument made is that the individual is sovereign in their actions insofar as they do not impeach upon the rights of others. His justifications centre strongly on the principles of utilitarianism, providing a model he believes to offer the greatest happiness to the greatest number. Through specific analysis it can be seen that he optimizes societal benefit by placing import on individuality but conversely justifying exactly when governance and restraint need to be exercised. Overall, his conclusions are an attempt to unify two competing social factors, individual liberty against circumstances in which power can be exerted over another, articulated in what has become known as the ‘harm principle’. The first and most fundamental principle Mill holds is outlined in the introductory chapter and describes the necessity for man to be free over â€Å"Over himself, over his own body and mind† (Mill, 1859: 31). Individual liberty is not only considered personally fulfilling, but also beneficial to the progress of civilisation for â€Å"Mankind are greater gainers by suffering each other to live as seems good to themselves, than by compelling each to live as seems good to the rest† (Mill, 1859: 33). It is important to note that Mill does not endorse freedom of expression for its own sake but for the greater purpose of stimulating discourse â€Å"His argument for liberty of expression is in fact an argument for liberty of discussion† (Larvor, 2006: 3) To support his claims, he highlights three primary freedoms in order of importance. Firstly, the freedom of thought itself should be unrestricted; second we should have the freedom to pursue ‘tastes †¦ to suit our own character’ (Mill, 1859: 33) regardless of whether social convention deems  otherwise; lastly, the freedom for citizens to unite, providing such action will not harm others. This idea of the ‘harm principle’ is prominent in On Liberty for each of these freedoms are subject to the overarching rule that liberty is complete so long as it does not â€Å"without justifiable cause, do harm to others† (Mill 1859: 72). He also notes that it is obvious that freedom of thought and of the mind does not directly correlate to freedom of action, for â€Å"No one pretends that actions should be as free as opinions† (Mill 1859: 72). He bases this on the logic that if ones free actions impinge upon another’s happiness, then the affected party’s own freedom is violated, outweighing the benefits of the first individual’s liberty. His conclusion is therefore â€Å"that in things which do not primarily concern others, individuality should assert itself† (1859: 73). This reasoning is fundamentally based in utilitarianism, which Mill is a eminent proponent of, as the key deciding factor needs to be maximum pleasure for minimum harm. The harm principle is the primary restraining factor on an individual’s calculus of liberty however Mill is not so blindingly liberal that he does not acknowledge the importance of government in maintaining social stability. In fact, Mill’s definition of liberty itself is intimately linked with authoritative intervention for he takes liberty to be the absence of human interference with the individuals actions (Crocker, 1980: 1). Again, utility becom es the object of question in deciding how pervasive governing bodies ought be. Mill contends, â€Å"the sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self-protection†¦ His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant†. It is here where Mill refers to the idea of ‘tyranny of the majority’, that pressure from the masses can be as pervasive as an oppressive state for there is more intangible a difficulty in arguing against the tyranny of the prevailing opinion and feeling. (Mill, 1859: 7) Yet here it is apparent that Mill defends the use of public pressure to control offensive opinion. Where then is the line drawn regarding what is unique, individual and valuable thought, and what is deemed inappropriate? While Mill’s consistent self-criticism often enriches his argument, there are contradictory moments wherein his â€Å"expressions are not only ambiguous, but contradictory† (Parker, 1865: 5). The idea of utility is once again at play, however Mill’s contradictions destabilise his  main point being that the use of outside force can be used defensively against another’s individuality if it would cause another’s liberty harm. As well as discussing and arguing Mill offers a number of disclaimers in his argument including the inapplicability of children or those who require the care of others and also â€Å"backward states of society in which the race itself may be considered as in its nonage† (Mill, 1859: 14). He also notes that a person â€Å"A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction† such as failing to help save a person when they are directly able to but choose against it. This idea has been argued against extensively in modern debate, particularly on a legal level. Many states, Australia amongst them, require no duty or obligation to act in such a way, the rationale [being] the protection of the autonomy (Edelman, 2011: 2). Liberty is irrevocably violated if one has no choice in a matter, even if that matter may be for social good. In an attempt to promote utilitarianism and provide an argument that supports social wellbeing, Mill has contradicted his own seemingly inviolate idea of individual sovereignty. Another hole in his discourse is that There seems then no obstacle in principle within utilitarian morality to a policy which indeed prevents harm but at the expense of the most basic interests of a minority (Gray, 2003: 7). Once more the tyranny of the majority is at question and Mill’s regard for individuality is destabilized by the conflicting interest of utilitarianism. It is apparent that Mill’s account is not watertight and this is acknowledged with the criticism On Liberty has received. In essence Mill concerns himself with the struggle between authority and liberty, (Mill, 1859: 3) as the essential factors to be balanced in order to maintain stable society. On an individual level, liberty is restrained by the harm principle and on a social plane; governance and public pressure control it. Beyond these factors, individuality is considered a sacred thing, which should be embraced for the good of progress. His entire theory is grounded solidly in utilitarian ideals, whereby social progression and greatest satisfaction is the primary goal. While a number of contentious arise throughout Mills’ discussions, overall the arguments are logical and coherent. On Liberty will continue to be an iconic if not contentious piece in political literature, as will most social theory which has been and will come in the future. Reference List Edelman, James. 2011. ‘Change of position: A defence of unjust disenrichment’ (presented at the launch of the Restatement (Third) Restitution and Unjust Enrichment, Boston University Law School 16-17 September 2011) Gray, John and Smith, G.W., eds. 2002. ‘JS Mill’s On Liberty In Focus’. London: Routeledge Gray, John. 1983. ‘Mill: On Liberty. A Defence’ Gray, John. 1979. ‘John Stuart Mill: Traditional and Revisionist Interpretations’. Literature of Liberty 2(2): 7-37 Hayek, F.A. 2011. ‘The Constitution of Liberty’. New York: The University of Chicago Press. Larvor, Brendan. 2006. Mill on Liberty of Thought and Discussion in John Stuart Mill: On Liberty Discussions (British Humanist Association). Mill, John Stuart. (1859). On Liberty. London: Cambridge University Press.

Jewish Resistance Essay -- essays research papers

Jewish Resistance   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We must first realize that resistance was in no way a survival strategy. Yet, even when it seemed obvious that death was near inevitable, why did they not put up a fight? This argument is still puzzling to many holocaust historians, yet the arguments of Raul Hilberg and Yehuda Bauer offer insight to possible reasons why they did not fight and that resistance was more widespread than most people think.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First of all we will look at Raul Hilberg’s â€Å"Two Thousand Years of Jewish Appeasement,† to give us possible reasons why Jews simply willing followed orders to their death. We must see the destruction in a way that has two role-players: the perpetrators and the victims. We will closely look at the role that Jews played in sealing their own fate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hilberg gives us five possible Jewish reactions to the situation they had been confronted with. First of all we will look at the possibility of resistance. It seems as though people would not willingly walk to their death, but 2000 years of appeasement was not easily changed. Along with the history of appeasement, the Jews were totally caught by surprise. They had little organization and so, could not put up a worthwhile fight even if they had wanted to. The SS also did a good job of mental warfare in that any resistance, no matter how significant, the perpetrators knew that the repercussions would affect the whole community and so it was hard to muster support for physical opposition.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The second reaction was Jewish attempt to make the struggle more of a mental battle than a physical one. They tried to avert the full plans of the German army by using written and oral appeals. Jews also tried to anticipate German wishes. The SS found that the ghettos could be very productive and tried to milk them for all they could. In this way, the Jews believed that if they were able to be productive, they would be spared long enough because of their economic value for help to arrive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another possible reaction is flight. Only a few thousand Jews escaped from the ghettos in Russia and Poland, and very few escaped from the camps. This was the most viable survival option and yet very few took it. Von dem Bach talked about an â€Å"unguarded escape route to the Pripet Mar... ...was extremely difficult for many reasons. First of all, although there were armed undergrounds in two of the camps, they never acted, and other than this it was impossible to get arms to stage a real resistance. Second of all, the victims were so malnourished that they could not put up any reasonable fight. And lastly, they were in no mental state to fight the SS. They were instead, fighting for their life every second of the day. They had in some ways given up on life and often times willing to obey all orders because it was the easiest way to do things.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My immediate reaction is, how could they not resist when they know they are going to die. But, it is easy to say what you would do looking back at the situation. In many cases I believe that they did resist in the best way they knew how. They fought for life and did that by any means necessary. Many times they felt as though if they prolonged their life, that soon enough they would be saved. This seems as a very reasonable thought, so in my opinion I believe that they did resist more than Hilberg gives them credit for, but I believe they did it from lessons they had learned from the past 2000 years.

Stefan’s Diaries: Bloodlust Chapter 29

Damon and I ran at vampire speed through the streets of New Orleans. Unlike when we first arrived and Damon lagged reluctantly behind me, we ran side by side, the adobe and brick houses blurring past us like melting wax. Something had shifted between us in that arena, I felt it in my very being. Something had changed in Damons eyes as hed regarded me and refused to attack, even as the crowd jeered on. I wondered how the match would have ended had the tent not gone up in flames–would we have taken the humans one by one, or would one Salvatore brother have ended up dead and bloodied on the dusty floor? The image of the Mystic Falls church blazing like an oversize torch sprang to my mind. The town had burned down the church and the vampires trapped within it the night our father killed us–and the vampire Damon had loved. But Damon and I were still here, like phoenixes rising from the ashes of the vampires who came before us. Perhaps out of the fire of this circus in our new home city, a new kinship between us would spring to life–like the new life that arose in prairies after the previous years crops had been burned to the level of the soil. Damon and I continued to run, our feet slapping against the cobblestones in perfect unison, down the back alleys and streets Id learned so well in my few weeks of living here. But as we rounded the corner onto Dauphine, the same street where Lexi had taken me shopping, I stopped short. Affixed to the window of the tailors shop was a crude drawing of me and Damon, our fangs bared, both of us crouched low.The fight of the century, the posters read. I wondered if Callie had drawn them. Probably. Damon leaned in close, examining the poster. â€Å"That drawing makes you look a bit stocky, brother. Might be time to lay off the barmaids.† â€Å"Ha, ha,† I said dryly, looking around. Shouts sounded behind us, in the direction of the circus. We had a good head start, but if Callie had distributed these posters as widely as we had the posters for Damon, then we wouldnt be safe until we were inside. The spindly spire of a church rose in the distance–the church that was kitty-corner to Lexis place. â€Å"Come on!† I pushed Damon in the direction of the church, and we didnt talk until we reached the rickety white house. â€Å"This is where you live?† Damons lip curled as his eyes flicked up from the sagging, whitewashed porch to the dark windows. â€Å"Well, I understand that it may not measure up to your standards, but we all must make sacrifices every now and again,† I said sarcastically as I led him to the back door. The door swung open, allowing a triangular slice of light to pour out over the dark backyard. I put my hands up as Lexi appeared in the doorway. â€Å"I know you said no visitors, but–â€Å" â€Å"Come in. Quickly!† she said, locking the door the second we crossed the threshold. In the main room, candles were burning, and Buxton, Hugo, and Percy were all perched on the chairs and couches, as if they were in the middle of a meeting. â€Å"You must be Damon.† Lexi nodded to him slightly. â€Å"Welcome to our home.† I was aware of Damon watching her, and wondered what he saw. â€Å"Yes, maam,† Damon said with an easy grin. â€Å"And Im afraid that during our time in captivity, my brother somehow failed to mention you and your†Ã¢â‚¬â€œhis eyes flicked over Percy and Buxton–â€Å"family.† Percy bristled and half-rose from his seat, but Lexi put up a hand to stop him. â€Å"Im Lexi. And as Stefan is your brother, my home is your home.† â€Å"We escaped,† I started to explain. Lexi nodded. â€Å"I know. Buxton was there.† â€Å"You were?† I whirled around in surprise. â€Å"Were you betting for me or against me?† Damon let out a little snort. Lexi laid a hand on my forearm. â€Å"Be nice. He was there to help you.† My eyes widened. â€Å"You were going to help me?† Buxton leaned back in his chair. â€Å"I was. But then someone had the bright idea to burn down the whole place, so I left.† He crossed his arms over his chest, looking pleased at himself for being part of the action. â€Å"It was Callie. She lit the fire,† I said. Lexis eyes registered surprise. â€Å"I was wrong,† she said simply. â€Å"Its been known to happen.† â€Å"You must forgive my poor manners in interrupting, but do you have anything to eat?† Damon asked, not turning away from the portrait of an old woman that he was examining. â€Å"Ive had a rather difficult few weeks.† For the first time since we had escaped, I really looked at my brother. His voice was hoarse, as if he was unused to using it. Bloody gashes covered his arms and legs; his clothes were in tattered rags; and his shock of black hair was filthy and lank against his pale neck. Red rimmed his eyes, and his hands trembled slightly. â€Å"Of course. You boys must be starving.† Lexi tsked. â€Å"Buxton, take him to the butcher shop. Let him eat his fill. I doubt there are enough humans in New Orleans to quench his thirst. And tonight, at least, he deserves to eat like a king.† â€Å"Yes, maam,† Buxton said, bowing slightly as he raised his bulk from the chair. â€Å"Ill join him,† I said, heading toward the door. â€Å"No.† Lexi shook her head and grabbed my arm–hard. â€Å"I have tea for you.† â€Å"But † I protested, confused and annoyed. I could practically taste the pigs blood on my tongue. â€Å"No buts,† Lexi said sharply, sounding remarkably like my mother. Buxton opened the door for Damon, who wiggled his brow at me as if to say, â€Å"Poor boy!† If Lexi saw, she pretended not to notice, instead busying herself with the tea kettle while I slumped on one of the rickety chairs set up around the table, my head resting on my hands. â€Å"When you become a vampire, its not just your teeth and diet that change,† Lexi said as she stoked the fire in the stove, her back toward me. â€Å"What does that mean?† I asked defensively. â€Å"It means that you and your brother arent who you used to be. Youve both changed, and you may not know Damon as well as you think,† Lexi said, carrying two steaming mugs in her hands. â€Å"Goats blood.† â€Å"I dontlikegoats blood,† I said, pushing the mug away angrily. I sounded like a petulant toddler, and I didnt care. â€Å"And no one knows Damon better than I do.† â€Å"Oh, Stefan,† Lexi said, looking at me kindly. â€Å"I know. But promise me youll be careful. These are dangerous times–for everyone.† At the worddangerous, something clicked in my mind. â€Å"Callie! I have to find her!† â€Å"No!† Lexi pushed me back down on my chair. â€Å"Her father will not harm her, but hell kill you, given half the chance, and youre in no shape for a fight.† I opened my mouth to protest, but Lexi cut me off. â€Å"Callie is fine. You can see her tomorrow. But for now, drink the blood. Fall asleep. When you awaken, you will be healed, and you, Damon, and Callie will figure out everything then.† Lexi left the kitchen with a swish of her aprons and extinguished the lamp. Suddenly exhaustion fell over me like a heavy blanket, and the desire to fight Lexis advice drained from my body. With a sigh, I lifted the mug and took a small sip. The liquid was warm and velvety, and I couldnt help but admit that it was good. Lexi was right–I would see Callie tomorrow to say good-bye. But I needed rest. My entire body hurt, even my heart. At least you know you have one, I imagined Lexi saying, and I smiled in the darkness.

The Cask Of Amontillado By Edgar Allen Poe - 1872 Words

Edgar Allen Poe sets the story in Italy during the rise of the Freemasons. As thinkers and specialists began to enter the stonemason guilds, they saw a need for the creation of exclusive social clubs. These social clubs provided members with access to other members with similar ideologies. These ideas lead to networking that would enable members to share personal networking such as financial, political, and social ties. As the social clubs grew, they eventually formed Freemasonry. With a secure network, the Masons would be able to challenge the power of the aristocratic families. The masons would support the revolutions that would lead to democracy. The perfect storm of networking and revolutions resulted in the rise of the new money elite†¦show more content†¦The black clothing Montresor wears tells two stories of the character. The image he projects is a calm and disciplined persona that lacks impulsive behaviors (Stepp 451). The clothing and black mask also give off the a ppearance of a defacto executioner accompanying his victim on his last walk (Platizky 207). In the end, Montresor’s upbringing in the old-money class of the elite has shaped his view of the world. Just as Montresor was constructed to be calm and decisive, Fortunato is portrayed as impulsive and immature. At the beginning of the story, Fortunato is introduced wearing a motley outfit. Fortunato’s outfit brilliantly represents his personality and how he is viewed by the aristocratic families of the time (Whatley 56,58). The costume builds the idea in the reader s mind that Fortunato is the exact opposite of Montresor. This opposite effect is shown through many variations throughout the story. First, Fortunato inadvertently insults Montresor when he admits that he has forgotten the Montresor family crest and motto (Stepp 447, 449). While his ignorance is not the reason for the revenge, it lets Poe depict Fortunato’s naivety (White 551). Secondly, Fortunato’s ego is on display during the walk to his demise when Fortunato is informed that Luchesi will be the one to get to test the authenticity of the Amontillado (Poe 209). This information brings out Fortunatoâ €™s ego. Fortunato believesShow MoreRelatedThe Cask Of Amontillado By Edgar Allen Poe992 Words   |  4 PagesEdgar Allen Poe had many pieces of literature, but one in particular â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† reflected his personality. It is a short story that can be read easily, and can take on many ironies. The several ironies can point to the fact that Poe himself was implanted into the story as he was a mysterious man. There are several characters with different personalities often interpreted as Poe hiding his dark side which would be â€Å"Montresor†. The other personality Fortunato could be that drunken personalityRead MoreThe Cask Of Amontillado By Edgar Allen Poe953 Words   |  4 Pagesseek revenge. â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† is a short story by the American poet, editor and story writer Edgar Allen Poe. This story is a tale of revenge touching on the darker sides of human nature and at what lengths a man will go to achieve vengeance. We are told by our narrator Montresor that he had been insulted by a wealthy wine connoisseur named Fortunato. Montresor picks him out of the carnival and lures him into his wine cellar with promise of a renown sherry wine, Amontillado. Fortunato is baitedRead MoreThe Cask Of Amontillado By Edgar Allen Poe1052 Words   |  5 PagesEdgar Allen Poe was one of the most famed authors of death, decay, and depression in the 18th century. Poe started his writing career during the Romantic literature period, a period focused on nature, emotions, and a fascination with the supernatural elements. As writers started to write in this new genre, works started becoming dark, with an eerie feeling and a tone of death. Out of the Romantic era came the sub-classification of the Gothic genre. Poe started to embrace this new genre and his writingsRead MoreThe Cask Of Amontillado By Edgar Allen Poe1204 Words   |  5 Pagesbest could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge† (Poe 1). This l ine draws the reader into the story by bringing up questions like, what insults could have been done to deserve such revenge? The uniqueness in the question itself is that it turns the table of a classic mystery or gothic story (Mcgarth). Instead of asking â€Å"who did it,† the question is, â€Å"why did he do it† (Baraban Motive for Murder in Cask of Amontillado ). Montresor uses Fortunato’s strengthens and turns them intoRead MoreThe Cask Of Amontillado By Edgar Allen Poe851 Words   |  4 Pagesabout â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† Do hate someone, but act like they are your best friend to get something that you want from them? Edgar Allen Poe does in his story â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† as he uses Montresor to tell Fortunato’s journey to catacombs and how he â€Å"conceives and executes an ingenious plan... for revenging† Fortunato (Gruesser 129). In â€Å"The cask of Amontillado† Poe uses tone, plot devices, and the setting to present the theme of appearances masking reality. To begin, Poe uses one toRead MoreThe Cask Of Amontillado By Edgar Allen Poe1025 Words   |  5 PagesJared Mourning English II Prof. Platt Thursday, March 3, 2016 Fortunato’s Misfortune In â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado,† Edgar Allen Poe issues a warning that even your closest friends can stab you in the back when you insult them in the right way. Poe perfectly portrays the way someone you think is your best friend could just as well be your biggest enemy. In â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† Edgar Allen Poe uses Montresor’s point of view, plot, and symbolism to convey the cold, merciless man who is MontresorRead More`` Cask Of Amontillado `` By Edgar Allen Poe1505 Words   |  7 PagesEdgar Allen Poe was a writer who sculpted every detail to create his desired â€Å"theme†. His short stories are mostly representing the murder of a character. The murderer, who is the narrator, explains the plan for the murder. The narrator destroys the humans around him through his destructive mind. The reason for the murder is revenge and hatred. In â€Å"Cask of Amontillado† and â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart† Poe utilized â€Å"unreliable na rrators,† he even created similarities between murder and victim to establishRead MoreThe Cask Of Amontillado By Edgar Allen Poe1492 Words   |  6 Pages McMullen 531-06 1 September 2014 Summer Reading The Cask of Amontillado In The Cask of Amontillado, by Edgar Allen Poe, Montressor is able to successfully manipulate Fortunato s arrogance and pride and use it against him as revenge. Montressor knows that Fortunato has a love for wine. Montressor tells Fortunato that he may have acquired Amontillado, a very nice wine. Montressor is not quite sure if the wine is Amontillado, but since Fotunato appears to be occupied Montressor saysRead MoreThe Cask Of Amontillado By Edgar Allen Poe1723 Words   |  7 Pages Were Montresor’s action in The Cask of Amontillado justified? Is killing someone justifiable? In Edgar Allen Poe’s short story The Cask of Amontillado that question is one that could be asked. The short story is about a man named Montresor and his quest to get revenge on his foe Fourtando who has apparently insulted Montresor. Around the time of the carnival season Montresor leaves his house to go find Fourtando and get his revenge he tells none of his servants toRead MoreThe Cask Of Amontillado, By Edgar Allen Poe884 Words   |  4 PagesIn â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado,† by Edgar Allen Poe, one finds the horror throughout its pages. The ideas of unexplained revenge and images of scenes only getting darker and colder cause one to have feelings of dread and disbelief. The protagonist, Montresor, has waited fifty years to tell his story, and one has to question the reliability of what he is saying. Questions of true justice and the power of an insult arise, only magnifying those ideas of horror. In â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado ,† one sees a