Devlin, Dworkin and Mill

In this essay, I will discuss the beliefs of J.S. Mill, Patrick Devlin and Ronald Dworkin. These three men hold different, yet similar positions on freedom of speech, privacy and society. First, I will illustrate how Dworkin’s idea of a free society includes more details than Devlin’s. Also, how Dworkin’s “moral reasoning” is an important aspect of freedom. Next, I will explain Mill’s harm principle in relation to Devlin and …

…does not meet the standards for Dworkin’s “moral reasoning” as he fails to include justifications for laws and limitations. Mill’s harm principle offers more freedom to the individual than Dworkin and even today’s government in the United States are willing to offer. Mill shares some thought processes with both Dworkin and Devlin, however, Devlin’s ideas are more encompassing than Dworkin’s, so Mill’s principles are more compatible with Devlin’s.