Compare and Contrast the Philisophical Contributions of Nietzsche and Mill Essay Example for Free

Comp be and Contrast the Philisophical Contri thations of Nietzsche and nerd EssayCompargon and contrast the philosophical contri thations Nietzsche and tarry get up to our brain of goernmental and well-disposed one-man rule.Both philosophers, Nietzsche and Mill make differentiate and similar contri thoions to our understanding of the deuce terms. I intend explore how each philosopher does this and the differences and similarities between their two philosophies.Before comparing and contrasting the contributions of both Nietzsche and Mill to our understanding of policy-making and genial dictatorship, it is important to define exactly what these terms mean, and to light upon between the two. Political tyranny on the one hand is the imposition of positive liberty by a tyrant to an separate or a collective group of individuals. That is, a situation where a certain way of sprightliness is dictated to citizens through the presence of obstacles, barriers or constraints. If we lived in a politically tyrannical alliance, we would be living under the figure of a dictator, ruled by a individual(a) governing body. Furthermore, the pressure for an individual to con nervous strain to these rules clear be seen as a result of ones worship of public disapproval a recognised form of fond tyranny.Philosopher John Stewart Mill, rigorously educated by his philosopher father James Mill, began making contributions to politics and philosophy from the early 1830s, when he wrote profusely on much(prenominal)(prenominal) political and philosophical matters. He was greatly influenced by the works of Jeremy Bentham and his interested in Utilitarianism.mill book, On Liberty published in 1859 and written with his wife, maxim Mill trip away from the Utilitarian feeling that individual liberty was necessary for economic and government efficiency and advanced the classical defence of individual freedom as a value in itself-importance. It advocated moral and economic freedom of individuals from the state. His basic aim is simple liberty from political and social tyranny is severe because it allows for smart and improved judgments to evolve and good because liberty forever puts old ideas to the test. His ideas were and still ar enormously influential and the ideas presented remain the basis of ofttimes political thought.In On Liberty Mill refers to tyrannical societies of the past where liberty meant protection from the tyranny of political rulers. They consisted of a governing One or a governing tribe, who derived their authority from inheritance or conquest. (NZ) To prevent the weaker members of indian lodge from being foregoed upon by innumer up to(p) vultures it was thought that at that place should be an animal of prey operoseer than the rest. The aim being to strict limits to the mogul of the tyrant.With this came a time where, as human af comme il fauts progressed, what was precious was that rulers should be identified with t he people, and that their interests should be the interests of the whole nation. This, Mill refers to as the tyranny of the majority which was held in panic (and comm whole still is.) At this point, Mill is suggesting that majority rule itself could become a tyranny and that the suppression of minorities by the majority should be taken as a serious threat to a fair and just society. Mill claims that society as a whole nominate issue wrong mandates and practice a tyranny more formidable than many kinds of political oppression. He argues at that placefore that protection against political tyranny is non enough there also needs to be protection from social tyranny or the tyranny of usual depression the latter being harder to achieve protection from.Mill saw that this kind of political tyranny could prevent the development of individualistic behavior. Such tyrannies could work in two ways through the adoption of laws which operate against idiosyncratic, non conforming or dissent ing individuals. Or, through the power or pressure of public opinion, (which is notoriously prone to error, superstition or tradition.) Hence Mill argued that public opinion should not be a law that everyone should conform to, and that the individual should assume protection of the law against the prevailing sentiments of society. Essentially, we each need freedom to develop our individuality.So for Mill, the central problem is therefore to establish the coherent extent to which the state can interfere in the affairs of individuals whilst maintaining acceptable levels of individuality. Mills answer is pee-pee and is demonstrated through his Harm Principle which states that the only purpose for which power can be rightfully processd over any member of a civilized fraternity, against his give, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, both physiological or moral, is not sufficient warrant.-So Mill is referring to not just any harm, but specifically sensible harm. If a pers on is harmed then his or her sovereignty over self no longer exists because sovereignty is after all the foundational position of power this is Mills justification of the harm normal. Children and those who cannot take c be of themselves are allowed to be interfered with beyond the harm principle as they may turn out harm themselves unintentionally such children and those who cannot take care of themselves donot, and cannot, constitute sovereignty over self.Applying Mills Harm Principle stringently to current law would therefore remove paternalistic laws. For example there would be no fence to prohibit the laws prohibiting suicide, or drug taking or the wearing of seatbelts or crash helmets. From this perspective, laws that attempt to moderate such self regarding actions are wrong. They stunt the possibilities for individual development the state should not be alike an over protective parent, as forMill, this does nothing but prevent the development of fully mature adults. Mills argument primarily questions what is the rightful limit to the sovereignty of the individual over himself? And how much of human life should be assigned to individuality, and how much to society? Mill says, to individuality should belong the part of life in which the individual is interested to society, the part which chiefly interests society. Essentially, what are the limits of the law and what are the abilities of the individual?Evidently for Mill, the idea that the state should be involved in self regarding actions is entirely wrong. The individual must be allowed utmost freedom of choice in matters that are to do with personal choice His assertion reflects his own strong commitment to the idea of individual liberty and the belief that free individuals develop into more fully organise human beings. His arguments essentially reflect a strong belief in human reasoning and the powerfulness for all of us to develop into mature autonomous individuals. Mills approach is there fore libertarian in that he saw the confining controlling state as a danger whereas a society be with free thinking individuals is a mature and successful society.Specifically referring to social tyranny, Mill states that though society is not founded on a contract, everyone who receives the protection of society owes a return for the benefit meaning, if you conform to society, or public opinion, you will receive protection, i.e. you will not be condemned by society. Mill get aheadmore claims that it would be a great misunderstanding to suppose that this doctrine is one of selfish emotionlessness about the well being of others. There is indeed a need for an increase in the exertion of promoting the good of others, but Mill feels this can be done without physically or mentally punishing those who behave in a way that people dont agree with. Benevolence can find other instrument than whips and scourges, either of the literal or metaphorical sortSo, if a person shows rashness, obs tinacy or self dresser or pursues animal pleasures at the expense of those of feeling and intellect, it is expected that they will be lowered in the opinion of others. But, Mill makes it clear that we are not bound to seek the society of such an individual. We have a right to avoid it, and a right to caution others against the individual. If he displeases us, we my express our distaste but we shall not feel called upon to make his life uncomfortable So if an individual has made a prohibit choice, we shouldnt condemn them further. If he has spoiled his life by mismanagement, we shall not for that reason desire to spoil it furtherAt this point, Mill makes a clear distinction between the part of a persons life which concerns only himself and that which concerns others. He questions how the conduct of a member of society can be a matter of indifference to the rest of society, no person is entirely isolated. If he damages his property, he does harm to those who derived support from it, or if he deteriorates his bodily faculties, he becomes a burden on others. So even if his actions do no direct harm to others, he is never the less detrimental by example.As a liberalist, Mill stresses the importance of the individual and freedom. In a liberal sense, freedom means individual freedom. You are at liberty to do as you wish, there are no constraints upon how you choose to live your life, you are able, unrestrained by tradition or inherited position to achieve your full potential. This idea opposes the characteristic of political tyranny i.e. the imposition of positive freedom restriction and barriers.As Isaiah Berlin explained, ban and positive liberty are not merely two distinct kinds of liberty they can be seen as rival, incompatible interpretations of a single political ideal. There are different ways to define liberty within a society. Isaiah Berlin talks about the two different types.Berlin agrees with the idea of negative liberty and thinks the purpose of government is not to show any visions of life rather, it is to give them freedom to find out for themselves what the good life is. Berlin supposes that there should be a small government that will protect everyones individual rights. In a society where negative liberty is prevalent problems begin to arise when you begin to worry about government and not your private life. Negative liberty also allows everyone to have a sphere of rights. You are also able to become what you want and you have more self-control, because there is no pressure to conform to the norm of the community in order to keep the society running smoothly.Rousseau, an advocate for positive liberty thinks that self-mastery is necessary for us as individuals and says that we should want to be the masters of our own life. Positive liberty is, Wishing to be a subject, not an object to be moved by reasons, by conscious purposes, which are my own, not by causes which affect me, as it were, from outside. By participating in your government and thinking for yourself you can achieve self mastery. By having political self-mastery you are free to form a society which forms your values, which leads to country.Mill, as a liberalist, believes there ought to be a minimum area of personal freedom which on no account can be violated. Mill says, If this boundary is overstepped, the individual will find himself in an area too infinitesimal for even that minimum development of his natural faculties which alone makes it possible to pursue, and even conceive, the various ends which men possess good or right or sacred. Mill says there must a certain tot up of personal freedom so that you grow as an individual, so therefore, there needs to be a distinction between private life and public authority. Freedom for the pike is death for the minnows the liberty of about must depend on the restraint of others. In this type of society some people are held back for the betterment of others. The idea that for every perso n on top there must be someone below them must be accepted.The other philosopher in question, Frederic Nietzsche, German philosopher of the late 19th carbon challenged the foundations of traditional morality and Christianity. He believed in life, creativity, health, and the realities of the world we live in, rather than those situated in a world beyond.Like Mill, Nietzsche wanted to replace old values with new ones. He wanted to move towards a new type of human being. The Uberman In Nietzsches writing, Beyond Good and Evil he speaks of the new philosophers individuals of socio intellectual status who must pave the way forward for a new world. Who must rise above the confinements of political and social tyranny. Essentially, through asserting their will to power. Nietzsche refers to these individuals as the aristocrats, the elites. These noble men will assert their will to power. An ability that will have been passed down from generations.The new philosophers or noble compensat e will possess the master morality the morality of the dispirited, that which makes values for others and sees itself as noble.At this point, Nietzsche introduces the notion of transcendency the idea that these free spirits or new philosophers will assume a place of favorable position in the social and intellectual hierarchy over those who are confined by political and social tyranny. In several aphorisms, he emphasizes a higher type of man, one who believes and demands an order of rank and disdains democracy and equality. Those inferior individuals, he refers to as the herd. The herd succumb to social and political tyranny, and so are slaves to it and they can not change. It is not in their genes. It is ok for the herd to be confined by political and social tyranny, but not for the elites. The elites must be the dominant force, not controlled by a force.Nietzsches fundamental principle is the will to power. Nietzsche refers to it as an essence of life. For Nietzsche, the und erlying driving force of change is will. All drives come from a will to power, which is the drive for freedom and domination over other things. We see it in our daily lives in every argument there is a striving force for mastery and victory even in the hierarchical nature of organisations e.g. manager vs. worker, teacher vs. pupil, politicians, preachers and even in the sex act itself. But, for Nietzsche, political and social tyranny seeks to tame this primeval drive and to suppress it. It is the weak and the herd who let their desires and will be suppressed. It is the role and duty of the new philosopher to cultivate it.Nietzsche strongly attacks religion. Especially Christianity. For Nietzsche, religion is a modern offspring of political and social tyranny. Religion seeks to suppress the will to power. He refers to religion as an ongoing suicide of reason and has similarities with Freud in that he thinks religion is a neurosis or mental illness. Wherever the phantasmal neurosis has appeared on earth we find it tied to three dangerous dietary prescriptions solitude, fasting and familiar abstinence. So for Nietzsche, being a Christian, means denying ones desires, it means self sacrifice for the sake of God (whom he believes is dead) and showing pity and charity for others allegedly leads to the elevation of the weak-minded.Nietzsche believes we shouldnt show such charitable acts, or make unnatural sacrifices. Christians are the herd, because they follow such beliefs and live their lives by them. The herd are not in control of their lives, for they live by a set of principles that are not their own. Christianity as a form of tyranny takes over the individual. We self mutilate when we feel guilty. Nietzsche says we shouldnt feel guilty, as its better to do something and inhabit it, taking from it what we will, rather than be told not to do it at all. Political and social tyranny does not give an individual the chance to do this and places restrictions upon t he individual.Like Mill, Nietzsche valued individualism above all else, but he saw that as a result of the acquiescence to social and political tyranny (e.g. religion) followed a herd mentality where everybody follows one another for fear of disapproval by public opinion, or in the case of religion, disapproval by God. The herd has given up their will to political and social tyranny. And so are weak to their superiors, as reflected in their values.But Nietzsche suggests that people want this. He refers to slaves wanting and judge political and social tyranny, and relating to the modern manifestation of this through religion, it provides truth and certainty. The slave is led by a superior guide, and wants to be, because it is comforting. So hence, Nietzsche sees the Enlightenment or age of reason as enraging to the slave because it removes an Absolute law I.e. God. So forth, the slaves have to find their own truths.Both philosophers contribute from different stand points. Mill on o ne hand speaks from a liberalist perspective. Liberals see humans as essentially sharp-witted thinking creatures adequate to(p) of making informed decisions and despises the kind of paternalistic controls of a political tyranny that characterised the previous feudal period. Where Nietzsche on the other hand comes from an elitist standpoint. So, for Nietzsche, the most human or natural of societies are those based on aristocratic principles.Thus, societies with clear and very wide social class divides are the most appropriate of humanity. Clearly delineate class distinctions that Nietzsche would have liked are the times of the Ancient Greeks, Romans, Feudalism and even aspects of Nazism. Orders in which richness, excess, ruthlessness and sensuality were encouraged. This is where a major difference between Nietzsches philosophy and Mills becomes apparent. Mill criticises the political control of a tyrant on an individuals freedom, yetNietzsche claims that these aristocrats are li ving for themselves The aristocrats have asserted their will to power over the people. He justifies this by saying that these societies are natural, because the will to power was exercised properly, by the powerful over the weak.Both have similar views on the topic of religion, arguing that no longer should one set of religious truths be imposed on a population. To move forward, to progress, is to explore the world through the exercise of human reason and critical enquiry. For Nietzsche, we must continually question everything, for there is no absolute truth. We have to find our own truth. We do this by being individual, and not following a herd. For Mill, we are rational thinkers, and bases his theory on this view that we will come to sensible conclusions.Hence, both philosophers advocate maximising negative liberty as a necessary condition for human flourishing. With the freedom to be individual without the barriers or constraints of tyranny, we as a society and as individuals pr ogress and new ideas are formed. New values are made, replacing old ones. The Elitist vs. the Liberalist approach is where the two philosophers differ in attitudes. Taking into consideration a rejection of negative liberty, this could be used to pave the way for an alternative account.