Liberalism (Locke, Mill)

JKSCHW at aol.com JKSCHW at aol.com
Wed Oct 28 20:16:07 PST 1998


In a message dated 98-10-28 10:16:55 EST, you write:

<<

Concerning J.S. Mill's conversion in later life to socialism it

should be noted that its been a matter of some controversy

among Mill scholars. Hayek as I recall seemed to blame it

on the nefarious influence of Harriet Taylor since presumably

Mill's socialism constitutes a blemish on hos otherwise

admirable (from Hayek's standpoint) liberalism.

Cherchez la femme, eh? Couldn't have had anything to do with Mill observing the effects of capitalism in his own society--and being inspired by Chartisma nd other working class struggles, no.

Since Mill's socialism seems to have been a species of

market socialism I imagine that he must rank high up

in Justin's pantheon. >>

Yes, indeed. Btw, Mill was not in principle opposed to a more thoroughgoing brabnd of communism. In fact, he expressly said that it might be worth a try.

--jks



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