Plato and Mill on the

individual and society

Michael Lacewing
enquiries@alevelphilosophy
.co.uk
Michael Lacewing

The Harm (aka Liberty)

Principle
Negative liberty: the only freedom which deserves
the name is that of pursuing our own good in our
own way
The only purpose for which power can be rightfully
exercised over any member of a civilized
community, against his will, is to prevent harm to
others. His own good, either physical or moral, is
not a sufficient warrant.

Social tyranny
Tyranny is no longer the rulers
dominating the people, because the
people rule.
But the people who rule, even in a
democracy, are not the people who are
ruled: there is a majority and minority.
The new danger is tyranny of the
majority.

Social tyranny and

individuality
Through socially-endorsed preferences
and ways of living, disapproval and
offence, it leaves fewer means of
escape, penetrating much more deeply
into the details of life, and enslaving
the soul itself.

The contribution of
individuality
Individual utility: autonomy is a key component of
happiness.
Social utility: the experiments of living individuals
conduct are
A means of discovering (genius) and proving the worth of
different modes of living
Genius also needed for good government, or mediocrity
will dominate
No one life suits everyone
Individuals have stronger characters, which contribute
energy to society
Originality avoids stagnation

Platos perfect state

The perfect state has all the virtues: wisdom,
courage, temperance, and justice
The origin of the state is our inability to be
self-sufficient.
We are naturally disposed to different tasks, so
we need a division of labour.
To defend the state, we need guardians,
distinct from farmers and traders.
Good government needs good leaders who know
what is good for the state as a whole.

The virtues in the state

Philosopher-rulers have wisdom.
Guardians have courage.
Everyone has temperance, in accepting this
structure.
Justice is whatever remains - viz. that everyone
should do their job, contributing to overall
functioning.
Philosopher-rulers: society will never be
properly governed by the uneducated, who
have no knowledge of the truth

Totalitarianism?
Consent: Everyone will recognize the
rationality of the structure, and freely give
consent to it.
But is the organization in each individuals
interests? Does it privilege anyone?
Interpretation 1: my interests lie solely in
fulfilling my social function
Obj.: Plato has an idea of individual happiness
that is distinct from this

Totalitarianism?
Interpretation 2: individuals pursue their
own happiness, out of which the good state
arises
Plato is concerned with good of the state over
and above individual happiness

Interpretation 3: individuals must be

educated to find their happiness in the state
Plato allows rulers to tell a lie/myth to bind
people to the state