John Stuart Mill's view of education and civil freedom

Throughout the history of mankind, many thinkers have contemplated on the concepts of 'Freedom' and 'Education' as these two terms are directly and closely related with human existence. This study mainly discusses the relationship between the two in the context of John Stuart Mill and utilitarianism. Mill is also regarded as a monumental thinker in the history of freedom of speech and utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral approach which accepts the basis of morality as increasing 'desire' and 'avoiding' pain with an ultimate aim of happiness. Especially with his emphasis on the distinction between 'higher' and 'lower' desires as well as with his inspiring considerations on 'the individual in a society', Mill contributed much to utilitarianism which was previously systematized by Jeremy Bentham. Because of his ideas on the 'competence' and 'autonomy' of the individual, Mill has been criticized for having developed a moral philosophy not in the frame of utilitarianism. However, these criticisms seem to ignore his main goal in all areas he dealt with: the goal to access a 'synthesis' in morality (a synthesis of utilitarianism and Romantic deontology), liberalism (building a bridge between negative and positive freedom), and lastly education (a combination of environmentalism and liberal view of education). Mill was educated in an 'unusual' way by his father, James Mill. J.S. Mill was well aware of the vitaliy of education. Yet, he did not develop a distinct philosophy of education or an educational theory. On the other hand, as he perceived education in its broad sense, all his writings on the 'development' and 'freedom' of the individual could be assessed as the arguments for his idea of education. In this context, this study consists of three chapters. The first chapter investigates Mill's position, contribution and difference in utilitarianism as he constructs all his philosophy on this moral approach. The second chapter focuses on the terms 'liberalism, individuality, tyranny of majority, autonomy, paternalism, and gender equality' to analyze and identify Mill's view of 'liberty' with its varying dimensions. The third chapter analyzes his view of education by laying great emphasis on its relationship with utilitarianism, liberalism and autonomy. Finally, the conclusion chapter supplies a general and ultimate discussion of Mill's view of morality, freedom and education.