JS Mill's 'On Liberty': an ode to intellectual curiosity, tolerance and open-mindedness

About this course

The course examines the main arguments in John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty, including the harm principle, individual liberty, authority, individuality, freedom of expression, tolerance, conformity and the tyranny of the majority. Teaching combines interactive activities, group discussion and multimedia stimuli such as videos and images. Learners analyse Mill’s utilitarian approach to liberty and consider how his ideas relate to values in contemporary society. Selected reading is used during lessons or between them as preparation for subsequent discussion.

What you'll learn

• Explain the principal ideas developed in On Liberty.
• Analyse Mill’s views on individuality, freedom of expression and tolerance.
• Use philosophical terminology and language relevant to liberty and political thought.
• Develop critical analysis and discussion skills through engagement with philosophical arguments.

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for beginners as well as learners with prior exposure to philosophy. It suits participants willing to listen and respond to ideas they may not share, with learning centred on interactive activities, discussion and selected reading completed in class or at home.

• Participation involves responding to differing viewpoints.
• Some selected reading may be completed outside class.

Before you go

• Learners may wish to bring note-taking materials.