Overview

A comprehensive study of Mill's theory of liberty, uncovering Mill's solution to the problem of democracy, the tyranny of the majority Alexis de Tocqueville famously identified the problem of democracy as the ""tyranny of the majority,"" where the rule of the majority oppresses or marginalizes minorities and individuals. John Stuart Mill, perhaps more than any other liberal thinker, attempted to find a solution to this problem. In this study of Mill's political theory, Chris Barker shows how Mill's civic education transforms individuals into citizens who are free to form opinions, analyze arguments, and wield a power capable of moderating the irresponsible power of the ruling majority. Barker examines Mill's thought as it is applied to five prominent components of democratic life-marriage, economic participation, scientific expertise, representative politics, and religion-with particular emphasis on gender and economic reform. Barker concludes that Mill's interpretation of liberty is not well described as either negative or positive. Instead, liberty consists in the mental independence or thinking power of the educated individuals composing and challenging majorities. CHRIS BARKER is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the American University in Cairo.

Full Product Details

9781580469227

Table of Contents

Reviews

Educating Liberty: Democracy and Aristocracy in J. S. Mill's Political Thought is a welcome addition to the growing scholarship on John Stuart Mill's word and deed. This book provokes and entices the reader, offering perspectives that will take Mill scholarship into new directions and neatly bringing together a number of topics, such as the reflective equilibrium between principles and practice, in one volume. Readers interested in Mill will definitely seek out this book. --Antis Loizides, University of Cyprus

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available