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All 8 Flashcards — Individuality
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Question
Mill's 'individuality'?
Answer
Developing your own character and way of living rather than just copying the custom around you.
Question
'Experiments in living'?
Answer
Trying out unusual ways of life so society can see which ones work and learn from them.
Question
Why is individuality part of a good life?
Answer
A life you genuinely choose exercises your judgement and makes you a fuller person, unlike a copied one.
Question
How does individuality benefit society?
Answer
The successful experiments teach everyone, so a society that allows difference keeps improving.
Question
Why isn't following custom enough?
Answer
Copying custom just because it's custom leaves your own judgement unused, like a machine.
Question
Custom vs individuality — Mill's worry?
Answer
Custom might be right, but following it blindly means you never develop the powers that make a life fully human.
Question
How does individuality echo free speech?
Answer
An unchallenged truth rots into dead dogma; an unchallenged life rots into mere custom — both die without difference.
Question
Does individuality mean 'do anything'?
Answer
No — it operates inside the harm principle: live your own way only where you don't harm others.
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Topic 10.12 hub
On Liberty — Mill
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