Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Optimism Bias, Pierre Trudeau, Status Quo Bias
8 Oct 2016
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John stuart mill (1806-1873: english philosopher and political economist, what on liberty is about. The nature and limits of the power which can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual . The need to restrict both state and society (public opinion) in their ability to shape conduct. History of the idea of liberty: four stages in the history of relations between individuals and authority . Liberty means protection of society against the tyranny of political rulers. The protections are political rights and constitutional checks. Rulers are the ruled, so (it was thought) there is no need to limit government power. Recognition that the political majority can be tyrannical over the minority. Liberty means democratic government with protection for minorities. Threat of social tyranny: the tyranny of prevailing opinion and feeling. Liberty is individual spontaneity: throughout this history, the meaning of liberty and tyranny have changed.
