Key Concepts

Argument Explanation
Individual Liberty Mill argued for the importance of individual liberty and freedom of thought, expression, and action. He believed that individuals should be free to pursue their own interests and develop their faculties, as long as they do not harm others.
Harm Principle Mill proposed the "harm principle," which states that the only justifiable reason for interfering with an individual's liberty is to prevent harm to others. Society should not impose restrictions on individual behavior unless it causes direct harm to others.
Tyranny of the Majority Mill warned against the "tyranny of the majority," where the majority imposes its views and opinions on the minority. He believed that the rights and freedoms of minorities should be protected, and that dissenting voices should be heard.
Freedom of Thought and Discussion Mill argued for the importance of freedom of thought and discussion. He believed that free and open debate would lead to the discovery of truth and the advancement of knowledge. Suppressing dissenting opinions would stifle progress and intellectual development.
Individuality and Diversity Mill celebrated individuality and diversity, arguing that society should embrace different modes of thought and ways of life. He believed that conformity and homogeneity stifle human development and progress.
Utilitarianism Mill's arguments were grounded in the principle of utilitarianism, which holds that actions should be judged by their consequences and their ability to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Quotes

Essay Quote Page Number
On Liberty "The only freedom which deserves the name, is that of pursuing our own good in our own way, so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs, or impede their efforts to obtain it." Chapter 1
On Liberty "If all mankind minus one, were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind." Chapter 2
On Liberty "He who knows only his own side of the case, knows little of that." Chapter 2
Utilitarianism "Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness." Chapter 2
The Subjection of Women "The principle which regulates the existing social relations between the two sexes—the legal subordination of one sex to the other—is wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to human improvement." Chapter 1

Contents

Essay Chapter Summary
On Liberty Chapter 1: Introductory Mill introduces the concept of liberty and the importance of limiting the power of societal influence and government, advocating for individual freedom as long as it does not harm others.
Chapter 2: Of the Liberty of Thought and Discussion This chapter discusses the importance of freedom of thought and expression, including the battles against censorship and the importance of free speech for societal progress and truth-seeking.
Chapter 3: Of Individuality, as One of the Elements of Well-Being Mill argues for the value of individuality and independence, asserting that personal development is essential for a vibrant and progressive society.
Chapter 4: Of the Limits to the Authority of Society over the Individual This chapter deals with the balance between societal authority and individual liberty, emphasizing the "harm principle" where individuals should be free to act unless they harm others.
Chapter 5: Applications Mill applies his principles to various societal issues, discussing practical implications and potential objections, reinforcing his arguments for liberty.
Utilitarianism Chapter 1: General Remarks Mill introduces the concept of utilitarianism, putting forward the idea that the morality of actions is determined by their consequences, specifically the greatest happiness principle.
Chapter 2: What Utilitarianism Is Mill explains the principle of utility, which advocates for actions that promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
Chapter 3: Of the Ultimate Sanction of the Principle of Utility This chapter explores the motivations behind adhering to utilitarian principles, discussing both external and internal sanctions, including conscience and the societal impacts.
Chapter 4: Of What Sort of Proof the Principle of Utility Is Susceptible Mill addresses the proof of the principle of utility, arguing that it is based on the natural human desire for happiness, and discussing its philosophical underpinnings.
Chapter 5: On the Connection between Justice and Utility The final chapter connects the concept of justice with utility, arguing that justice is fundamentally tied to utilitarian principles and is essential for social stability and fairness.
The Subjection of Women Chapter 1 Mill examines the historical context of women's subordination and argues for equal rights, highlighting the arbitrary nature of gender inequality.
Chapter 2 This chapter elaborates on the benefits of gender equality for individuals and society, emphasizing that equal opportunities would lead to societal progress and personal fulfillment.
Chapter 3 Mill discusses the impact of gender roles on personal relationships, particularly marriage, advocating for partnership and equality between spouses.
Chapter 4 The final chapter addresses counterarguments, reinforcing the necessity of women's emancipation and equal participation in social, political, and economic life.
Considerations on Representative Government Chapter 1: To What Extent Forms of Government Are a Matter of Choice Mill begins by exploring whether different forms of government are suited to different societies, asserting that the best type of government is representative government.
Chapter 2: The Criterion of a Good Form of Government Mill presents the criteria for a good government, emphasizing efficiency and participation of the populace as key factors for a successful representative government.
Chapter 3: That the Ideally Best Form of Government is Representative Government Arguing for representative government, Mill asserts that it is the ideally best form of government due to its promotion of active participation and political responsibility.
Chapter 4: Under What Social Conditions Representative Government is Inapplicable This chapter outlines the social conditions necessary for representative government to be effective, and circumstances under which it may not be suitable.
Chapter 5: Of the Proper Functions of Representative Bodies Mill describes the functions of representative institutions, emphasizing deliberation, legislation, and oversight as their primary roles.
Chapter 6: Of the Infirmities and Dangers to which Representative Government is Liable This chapter identifies and discusses the potential weaknesses and dangers of representative government, such as corruption, inefficiency, and poor decision-making.
Chapter 7: Of True and False Democracy; Representation of All, and Representation of the Majority Only Mill distinguishes between true democracy, which seeks to represent all interests, and false democracy, where only the majority's interests are considered.
Chapter 8: Of the Extension of the Suffrage Mill discusses the importance of extending suffrage, arguing for broad participation while cautioning against universal suffrage without safeguards for informed voting.