Quentin Skinner on Liberty

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.

Published in 1651, 'Leviathan' by Thomas Hobbes is a comprehensive treatise on political philosophy. The book is divided into four main parts: 'Of Man,' 'Of Commonwealth,' 'Of a Christian Commonwealth,' and 'Of the Kingdom of Darkness. ' Hobbes argues that the natural state of humans is one of conflict and anarchy, and that the best way to achieve peace and security is through the establishment of a commonwealth governed by an absolute sovereign. This sovereign, which Hobbes terms the 'Leviathan,' has supreme authority over all aspects of governance, including law, religion, and public offices. Hobbes' work is a foundational text in social contract theory and continues to influence political thought to this day.

Published in 1869, 'The Subjection of Women' is an essay by John Stuart Mill that argues against the social and legal inequalities faced by women. Mill contends that the inferior status of women is not based on natural differences but rather on social customs and historical power dynamics. He compares the status of women to that of slaves, highlighting the lack of legal rights, including property ownership and suffrage. Mill advocates for women's education, employment opportunities, and the reform of marriage laws to achieve greater equality. The essay, influenced significantly by his wife Harriet Taylor Mill, was a groundbreaking call for gender equality and had a significant impact on the women's rights movement despite facing criticism and controversy at the time of its publication.