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All 8 Flashcards — The tyranny of the majority
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Question
Tyranny of the majority?
Answer
The pressure of majority opinion and custom forcing everyone to conform — a tyranny by the crowd, not the state.
Question
Why can social tyranny be worse than law?
Answer
It leaves 'fewer means of escape' and reaches into the details of daily life, so it's harder to dodge than a law.
Question
Where does society's authority over you end?
Answer
At the edge of self-regarding conduct — beyond it, using pressure to force conformity is tyranny (the harm principle).
Question
How does On Liberty fit together?
Answer
One harm principle, applied to the mind (free speech) and to life (individuality), defended against the crowd.
Question
Deepest link: free speech and individuality?
Answer
Unchallenged truth becomes dead dogma; unchallenged life becomes mere custom — both die without difference.
Question
Is disapproval itself tyranny?
Answer
Expressing a view is fine; using collective pressure to force conformity where no one is harmed is the tyranny.
Question
How is Paper 2 structured?
Answer
Open-book, one text: part (a) explain a concept [10] + part (b) evaluate a claim [15]; answer ONE question.
Question
Open-book Paper 2 — best technique?
Answer
Quote a short phrase accurately, then explain it in your own words; don't just copy the text out.
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Topic 10.12 hub
On Liberty — Mill
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