Final answer:
John Stuart Mill valued individual freedom and the minimization of government interference, encapsulated in his harm principle which influenced liberal societies. His philosophy would align with the progressive ideals of France's Second Republic, which aimed to expand democratic rights and social reforms.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Stuart Mill, a prominent 19th-century philosopher and proponent of liberalism, expressed the idea of individual freedom and the importance of personal autonomy. In his classic treatise On Liberty, Mill argued that real freedom allows individuals to pursue their idea of "the good" in ways they see fit, as long as their actions do not harm others. This idea is encapsulated in Mill's harm principle, which asserts that the liberty of the individual should only be restricted to prevent harm to others. This principle emphasizes the importance of personal choice and the minimization of government interference in personal matters. Mill's ideas had a gradual but profound influence on societies that valued liberal principles, including advocating for women's rights and suggesting government intervention to improve the lives of the working class under certain circumstances.
Applying Mill's ideas to France's Second Republic, we can infer that his philosophy would support the expansion of democratic rights, such as universal suffrage, and the establishment of protections that ensure individual freedoms are maintained. The Second Republic, which arose after the 1848 revolution in France, was built on ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, and aimed at addressing social issues such as the rights of workers and women's suffrage. Thus, Mill's advocacy for individual liberty and social reforms aligns with the progressive aspects of the Second Republic's goals.