John Locke vs. John Stuart Mill

Attribute	John Locke	John Stuart Mill
Philosophical Tradition	Empiricism	Utilitarianism
View on Human Nature	Humans are born as a blank slate (tabula rasa)	Humans are capable of higher pleasures and intellectual pursuits
Role of Government	Government's role is to protect natural rights of life, liberty, and property	Government should promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number
Freedom of Speech	Advocated for freedom of speech and expression	Believed in freedom of speech as a fundamental right
Individual Rights	Believed in natural rights of individuals	Emphasized individual liberty and autonomy

Background

John Locke and John Stuart Mill are two prominent philosophers who have greatly influenced political thought and ethics. Locke, an English philosopher, is known as the "Father of Liberalism" and is best known for his ideas on natural rights and the social contract. Mill, on the other hand, was a British philosopher and political economist who is famous for his contributions to utilitarianism and liberalism. While both philosophers have made significant contributions to the field of political philosophy, they have distinct differences in their beliefs and theories.

Views on Natural Rights

Locke believed in the concept of natural rights, which are rights that are inherent to all individuals by virtue of their humanity. He argued that these rights, such as life, liberty, and property, are not granted by the government but are instead derived from natural law. Locke believed that individuals have the right to protect these natural rights and that the government's role is to protect these rights. In contrast, Mill did not focus as much on natural rights but instead emphasized the importance of individual liberty and autonomy. He believed that individuals should have the freedom to pursue their own happiness as long as it does not harm others.

Role of Government

Locke's views on the role of government were influenced by his belief in natural rights. He argued that the government's primary purpose is to protect the natural rights of its citizens. Locke believed in a limited government that is based on the consent of the governed and that can be overthrown if it fails to protect the rights of the people. Mill, on the other hand, believed in a more active role for government in promoting the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. He argued that the government should intervene in society to prevent harm to individuals and to promote the well-being of society as a whole.

Freedom of Speech

Both Locke and Mill were strong advocates for freedom of speech, but they had different reasons for supporting this right. Locke believed that freedom of speech is essential for the exchange of ideas and the pursuit of truth. He argued that individuals should have the right to express their opinions without fear of censorship or punishment. Mill, on the other hand, supported freedom of speech as a means to promote individual autonomy and self-development. He believed that allowing individuals to express their opinions freely would lead to the discovery of new ideas and the improvement of society as a whole.

Utilitarianism vs. Natural Rights

One of the key differences between Locke and Mill is their approach to ethics. Locke's theory of natural rights is based on the idea that individuals have inherent rights that should be protected by the government. He believed that these rights are universal and do not depend on the consequences of actions. In contrast, Mill's utilitarianism is based on the principle of maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering. He argued that the morality of an action should be judged based on its consequences and its impact on the well-being of society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John Locke and John Stuart Mill were two influential philosophers who had different views on natural rights, the role of government, freedom of speech, and ethics. While Locke focused on the protection of natural rights and limited government, Mill emphasized individual autonomy and the promotion of the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Despite their differences, both philosophers made significant contributions to political philosophy and continue to influence debates on ethics and governance to this day.