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In this essay I shall mainly consider Hobbes’ and Mill’s ideas about the conception of freedom and government. Question’s underlying problem is to argue the principle of liberty and type of government, authority upon the society for both philosophers comparatively. To explain this argument, basically I will interpret their ideas about liberty in order to reveal their similarities and differences. First I will start to interpret the concept of liberty according to Hobbes and give reasons why he defends an unlimited authority and sovereignty over the society, what are the advantages of a government like that and give its reasons. After that I will explain Mill’s interpretations about tyranny of the majority, and social tyranny to interpret the threats for complete liberty in the society. Later I will argue Mill’s understanding of liberty, the aim of his harm principle and how it is connected or differ from Hobbes’ conception of liberty. Finally I will combine and give the main similarities and differences of their claims about liberty and the theories related to this concept to conclude my essay.
First I will explain the concept of liberty of Hobbes. He claims that liberty is the ability for an individual to do what he wants to do. ...
“And according to this proper and generally received meaning of the word, a freeman is he that, in those things which by his strength and wit he is able to do, is not hindered to do what he has a will to” [Hobbes, p. ...
He strongly argues that liberty is just the ability to carry out ones will
without interference from others because men are all constituted as equal. His concept of liberty is defined as a continuous flow of motion. ... Without any obstacles water flows without stopping wherever it wants to go and men’s complete freedom is like that example.
“And so all living creatures, whilest they are imprisoned, or restrained, with walls, or chayns; and of the water whilest it is kept in banks, or vessels, that otherwise would spread it selfe into a larger space, we use to say they are not a Liberty, to move in such manner, as without those external impediments they would” [Hobbes, p. ... However this liberty is can be dangerous for society. Since everyone is free whatever he can do, society’s life and security will be in danger. ... Therefore, society decides to agree on a contract for a sovereign power to maintain common-wealth and peace which secures the liberty of the citizens. ... Hobbes explains this contract as:
“But as men, for the attaining of peace and conservation of themselves thereby, have made an artificial man, which we call a Commonwealth; so also have they made artificial chains, called civil laws, which they themselves, by mutual covenants, have fastened at one end to the lips of that man, or assembly, to whom they have given the sovereign power, and at the other to their own ears.
Approximate Word count = 2313
Approximate Pages = 9.3
(250 words per page double spaced)
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