Tyranny Of The Majority In John Stuart Mill's On Liberty

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John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty explores the dichotomy between individual liberty and a mass society. The conflict arising from this dichotomy exists in what Mill refers to as “the tyranny of the majority” (8). Mill elucidates on the tyranny of the majority as a weakness in governments that are buttressed by majority rule because the interests of the majority can surpass and often stifle minority groups. Thus, the tyranny of the majority can rival the severity of other tyrannies, and at times exceed them given that the majority’s tyranny is not restricted solely to the political sphere. The influence of the majority can dictate not just legislation, but personal thoughts and opinions as well. However, while Mill is able to present a compelling argument antagonizing the majority, he is unable to present viable solutions to solving this problem. That being said, this paper will examine how Mill fails to present a successful argument on how to constrain the tyranny of the majority, evident in his failures to consider the pivotal role of the majority in legislation, the difficulty of altering a pro-majority state, as well as the utility of majority rule and the evolution …show more content…
All of which results in the impracticality of his aim to constrain the tyranny of the majority. In a perfect society equal weight would be given to the voices of the majority and minority groups; however, the evolution into a democratic republic stipulates delegation of the people through their government. Yet, it is impossible to delegate to all people in a society, and until a more sufficient way is proven, it will remain prudent to serve the interests of the
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