MILL'S ON LIBERTY, CHAPTER 3
- Mill says that individuality is `one of the principal ingredients of human happiness,' `one of the leading essentials of well-being,' and that there are two requisites for cultivating `individuality of power and development.'
- What are those `two requisites?'
- What does Mill mean by `individuality?' (What are some synonyms he uses?)
- Mill gives three reasons for saying that "it is the privilege and proper condition of a human being, arrived at the maturity of his faculties, to use and interpret experience in his own way" (35). What are those three reasons (in your own words!)?
- In Chapter 3, Mill argues that individuality is valuable both for individuals and for society (i.e., other people).
- In a paragraph and in your own words, explain Mill's reason or one of his reasons for thinking that individuality is valuable or beneficial to the individual.
- In a paragraph and in your own words, explain Mill's reason or one of his reasons for thinking that individuality is socially beneficial.
- Does Mill think that human beings are more like machines or more like trees? Explain.
- Is Mill for or against the `despotism of custom?' Explain. (What is the despotism of custom?)
- What is the connection between the Harm Principle and Mill's defense of individuality?