Final answer:
John Stuart Mill argued for maximum personal liberty based on the harm principle, allowing individuals to act freely unless they harm others, fostering societal progress and the inclusion of women's rights. His utilitarian views also accepted necessary government interventions for greater societal wellbeing.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Stuart Mill, a significant figure in the realm of philosophical thought, put forward compelling arguments on the topic of individual liberty and freedom. In his acclaimed work, On Liberty, Mill espoused the view that personal conduct should largely be free from government intervention. This perspective is echoed in what is widely known as the harm principle, which posits that actions should only be restricted if they cause harm to others. Mill contended that allowing for the free exercise of personal liberty, even when such actions may entail personal risk or harm, facilitates a crucial avenue for societal progress.
Establishing and safeguarding personal liberty was of paramount importance to Mill, as he held the belief that freedom enables individuals to engage in experimentation and dialogue that challenge and ultimately discard harmful ideas. This commitment to liberty provided the foundation for broader social and political inclusion, including the inclusion of women in the emerging rights of classically liberal societies. By advocating for such expansive freedom, Mill fundamentally diverged from the likes of classical liberals such as John Locke, whose views were more conservative in relation to the law's role in preserving life and talents.
Mill's utilitarian ideals, however, recognized the necessity of certain government interventions and protections, especially when aimed at improving the lives of the working class or ensuring voting rights for oppressed groups. These interventions were not in contradiction to his overarching principle of liberty but were seen as essential for the protection and maximization of overall happiness for society. Thus, his teachings remain a seminal force in liberal thought, balancing the pursuit of the individual good with the maximization of collective wellbeing.