Extended Essays 2021

Mill’s Pro -Democratic Argument

J.S. Mill famously proposed that democracy is a desirable form of government. According to

Mill, democracy’s strengths are notable, and its vulnerabilities can be mitigated, making it

desirable. Mill celebrates diversity and versatility of the democratic form of government in his

book On Liberty (1859). In contrast to Plato’s theory, Mill considers the liberty of the

individual as absolute with respect to self-regarding actions, to the extent that he wanted it to

be recognised as the fundamental principle of every civil society, irrespective of its moral

values or cultural customers. 23

Mill emphasises freedom must be freely expressed and public debates must be encouraged so

that this discussion of new ideas prevents existing truths from turning into ossified dogmas,

which is restricted in Plato’s ideal state. While Mill recognises the democracy in certain states

in order to achieve societal and individual benefits, Plato criticises tyranny in its entire

manifestations and irrespective of the nation’s level of development. Plato objects and is

convinced that the tyranny cannot be advocated by virtuous intentions, However, Mill develops

this through his explanation of the “ tyranny of the majority ” , appearing when interests of

minorities or a particular individual are infringed for the benefit of the majority. 24

In a journal article written by Paul Smart titled “ Some Will Be More Equal Than Others ”

(1990), he opines:

For Mill, representative democracy was both an end in itself and a means to an end. As an end in itself it was the most desirable political system, characteristic of only the most advanced and progressive societies. As a means to an end it would be an invaluable institutional aid to the development of free individuals. Mill initially believed that

23 Mill, John Stuart. 1859. On liberty . London: John W. Parker and Son, West Strand. 24 He elaborates, “Besides, people themselves are able to abuse the political power, especially, when they attempt to suppress the diversity of other individuals’ opinions that is tantamount to the tyranny” (Mill 1859/2001).

11