Liberalism-about maximizing the freedom of the

individualSociety is the sum of all the individuals who

compose itRole of the state to protect the freedom of the

individual

John Stuart MillGreatest work “On Liberty”Similar to Descartes and BaconMill was looking for more certain truth,

which came through individual libertyModern society didn’t allow this, because of

‘recieved opinion’

People are censored, but legally and socially when they question ‘recieved opinion’

Stigma associated with having differing viewsPeople also practice self censorship This stunts people’s reasonThe duty of the government is to allow people

to come to certain truth

Good example was the subjection of women, which was held as dead dogma, and if one spoke out, they would be stigmatized

This subjection would be legitimate if it was debated and was certain truth

SolutionThere needs to be limits imposed on the

power that can be exercised over the individual

But the individual cannot harm anyone else

Four FreedomsFreedom of conscience, expressionThey go hand and hand, and cannot be

limited because words cannot do harmExpression is beneficial even when it is

disturbing

Freedom of life plan – freedom to pursue life goals, but it is not absolute

Harm principleExample, selling poison should require a

physicians noteDrunkeness another example- can harm your

dependants

Freedom of associationFree, unfettered association with like minded

individuals

Why is this important?With the liberties in place, humanity can

progress into libertyIt gives us more certain truthNew ideas have been stamped outWith them, we will have controversy, which

leads to progresssThis type of education prevents us from

making knee jerk reactions – dead dogma

Bentham’s UtilitarianismGreatest good for the greatest numberLaws based on their utility

DarwinismCharles Darwin, ‘The Origin of Species’Peace and harmony not the natural wayStruggle a good thing, produces the best of

the speciesNatural SelectionMinor variations in each species, which may

help them surviveSome organisms had a competitive advantage

Social DarwinismOversimplification of DarwinPeople used it to justify actions against other

countries, racesStruggle among nations necessary for

progressWeak armies and peoples would be

eliminated until only the strong survived

Some groups of people were naturally superior because of what they have accomplished

Technology and scientific progress used as a justification

Used to justify imperial actions

Eugenics- rich anglo-saxons were naturally superior to other groups

Herbert Spencer- applied it to social classGovernements should not intervene because

of survivial of the fittestMarx liked him, especially the ideas on

struggle

Used to justify WWI, WWII, Hitler

Hegelian DialecticGeorge HegelThere will be conflict and violent interaction

between polar opposites until a perfect balance is reached

Thesis and anti-thesisNew idea – synthesisHistory of humanity is working toward an end

point – world spiritBest way to understand the dialectic is

through Marx

NihilismComes from the Latin word – nothingIs the belief that all values are baseless, and

that nothing can be known or communicatedExtreme pessimismNihilists believe in nothing, have no loyaltiesDenies the possibility of truth and knowledgeFuture improvement needs destruction of

political, social, religious ordersRejects ethical and moral valuesLife has no intrinsic values or meaning

Denounce god and religious authorityIt goes against freedomLeads to terrorism and assassinationSome nihilists say achieving individual

freedom is the only law, state, therefore, must be destroyeed