Final answer:
John Stuart Mill's fundamental concern in democracy is balancing individual liberty with societal control, emphasizing the importance of personal freedom and open debate without causing harm to others. He promotes the idea that a vibrant democracy requires active and meaningful voter participation and guards against dominating majority factions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fundamental Issue in Democracy According to Mill
John Stuart Mill, a prominent British philosopher, considered the fundamental issue in a democracy to be the balance between individual liberty and societal control. In his pivotal work, On Liberty, Mill advances the argument that the protection and expansion of individual freedom is crucial in modern societies. He introduced the "harm principle", which suggests that individuals should be free to act as they wish, provided their actions do not harm others. This principle supports the idea that freedom leads to experimentation and open dialogue, allowing society to reject dangerous ideas and to evolve. For Mill, personal liberty should not simply be a legal matter but also embedded in cultural norms, advocating for a democracy that encourages open debate and the inclusion of diverse perspectives, including those of previously marginalized groups such as women.
Mill's contention is especially relevant when considering voter participation in democracies. The quality of a democracy can be assessed by how much influence citizens wield through voting and whether they are presented with differentiated options that represent their preferences. Moreover, the principle questions the extent of direct democracy, as Mill recognizes potential challenges related to factionalism and the tyranny of the majority.
In conclusion, Mill's fundamental issue in democracy centers around how to protect individual freedoms while ensuring that society operates for the common good without succumbing to the tyranny of the majority or the oppression of minority viewpoints.