Final answer:
Spencer, along with philosophers like Locke and Smith, posited that prosperity and personal liberty are products of individualism, private property, and free enterprise. Their views suggest that such an economic model leads to a strong society, albeit with inequalities. Mill adds that a government role is necessary to ensure fairness and aid the working class.
Step-by-step explanation:
Spencer argued that humans would produce prosperity and personal liberty through the establishment of an economic system that emphasizes private property and the free exchange of goods and services. This concept aligns with classical liberalism and the philosophies of figures like John Locke and Adam Smith, who advocated for the natural right to the ownership of property, a commercial society, and the pursuit of wealth through individual endeavor. John Locke emphasized that such a system would result in a high standard of living for all, amidst substantial inequality, because it would encourage people to develop land and produce things others value. John Stuart Mill, on the other hand, recognized that while personal liberty is paramount, the government should intervene under certain circumstances to aid the working class, enforce fair rules, and ensure wider political representation.
Adam Smith further argued that competition in a free market would lead to low prices, high-quality goods, and overall prosperity for society. Moreover, opponents of socialism argued that the freedom to accumulate private property and earn a profit is essential for economic progress and that workers should seek to elevate themselves through education and hard work rather than revolutionary ideas.
On the flip side, critics of this approach contend that not everyone has equal opportunities to become wealthy, suggesting a sacrifice of equality for the sake of economic liberty. Yet, proponents maintain that as long as individuals work hard within the established rules, they can achieve wealth. Overall, these arguments center around the relationship between economic liberty, property rights, and social prosperity. Philosophers like Mill and Locke illustrate the importance of both personal freedom and the role of government in securing a fair and prosperous society.