type 1 writing “on liberty”
The first chapter of On Liberty discusses the struggle between liberty and authority, between classes, and subjects and government. It summarized a quick history of government, from military conquest to elected rulers. Additionally, the first chapter established that some rules must be stated in law, and a principle question of society is what those rules are. What exactly is illegal? Within the classes of a society there are divisions as well, creating a sovereign individual and making self protection a necessity. The state should have an interest in their citizens as well. This chapter relates a lot to the different political parties, with some wanting more government involvement and some less. The arguments also relate to debates certain laws being debating in the current political climate. A good example is abortion, some saying its illegal and some arguing that it is a right.
The fourth chapter debates how much of our human life is individuality and how much is societal. There is no contract between us and society, however if we live in it we do owe a return. The chapter also discusses how actions of an individual affects society. Acts of an individual may cause harm and there are consequences by law. As humans, we do make mistakes. It is our job to learn and show the difference between right and wrong. On the other hand, everyone has a right to their own life and decisions. The chapter correlates to laws such as the drinking age. Should the government intrude on our decision to drink and help us make better decisions? Or is it up to us as an individual to make the right choice?
The fifth chapter is similar to the fourth in how it discusses what the should be illegal and what an individual should decide themselves. The chapter’s prime example is drunkenness. An individual can choose to be intoxicated, but once they harm others it is punishable. Another good example is gambling. Should an individual be allowed to gamble their money if it doesn’t harm others or should the government step in and prevent them from making mistakes. It is sort of a balance of free will. Anything in excess can be harmful to an individual or others, however the question is does the government have a right to interfere or should the individual be allowed to make their mistake? This chapter, I think, relates greatly to the 2nd amendment debate. Should individuals be allowed to own guns despite the numerous deaths they cause each year? Or is it simply the individual’s responsibility?
Overall, “On Liberty” debates the power a government should have over its citizens, as well as a summary of how power arises.
