Lectures in History: 1992 Republican National Convention

Federalist No. 10, penned by James Madison, addresses the critical issue of factions within a republic and their potential to undermine the common good. Madison argues that a well-constructed union can mitigate the negative effects of factions by extending the sphere of the republic. A larger republic, with a greater variety of interests and parties, makes it less probable that a majority faction will form to oppress minority interests. The extended sphere also makes it more difficult for those with unjust motives to coordinate and act in unison. Madison's vision in Federalist No. 10 lays the philosophical foundation for American pluralism, emphasizing the importance of diversity and the challenges of managing conflicting interests within a democratic society.

Published in 1859, 'On Liberty' is a seminal work by John Stuart Mill that argues for the protection of individual freedoms from the tyranny of the majority and government interference. Mill uses utilitarian philosophy to justify the value of liberty, emphasizing the importance of freedom of thought, discussion, and action. He introduces the 'harm principle,' which states that individuals should only be restrained from acting when their conduct may harm others. The essay is structured into five chapters, each addressing different aspects of liberty, including the liberty of thought and discussion, individual liberty, the limits of authority, and practical applications of his theories. Mill argues that protecting individual liberties is essential for societal progress and the avoidance of social stagnation.