ABSTRACT

When introducing the concluding chapter, Mill reminds the reader that he is arguing for this ‘one very simple principle’ of liberty and its logical complement. After referring to ‘the two maxims which together form the entire doctrine of this Essay’, he restates the maxims:

The maxims are, first, that the individual is not accountable to society for his [self-regarding] actions . . . Advice, instruction, persuasion, and avoidance by other people if thought necessary by them for their own good, are the only measures by which society can justifiably express its dislike or disapprobation of his conduct. Secondly, that for [otherregarding] actions . . . the individual is accountable, and may be subjected to social or to legal punishment, if society is of opinion that the one or the other is requisite for its protection.