Freedom is the enjoyment of personal liberty, of not being a slave nor a prisoner. The enjoyment of civil rights (freedom of speech, freedom of assembly etc ). (Webster's Encyclopedic Dictionary, 1988).
Although freedom is the ultimate goal of both Mill and Marx, their concepts are different and the implementation in a free society is very much in conflict. "Mankind are greater gainers by suffering each other to live as seems good to themselves, than by compelling each to live as seems good to the rest. " (Porter/Mill, p511) Mill is focused on the individual. "Communism is a real and necessary factor in the emancipation and rehabilitation of man." (Porter/Marx, p557) Marx is of the view that what is good for the collective is good for the individual. Consequently freedom is framed in terms of freedom from the capitalist regime. .
This paper will outline some of the differences between Mill and Marx. As a framework we will look at the three areas of liberty and freedom as defined by Mill and compare them with Marx. The areas to be examined are; firstly, "the liberty of thought and feeling", secondly "the liberty of tastes and pursuits", and thirdly "the liberty to unite".
THE LIBERTY OF THOUGHT AND FEELING.
The liberty of thought and feelings, and the ability or freedom to express those feelings, is an issue of comparison between Mill and Marx. Mill's opinion is that all people should be able to express their thoughts and feelings, as long as the thoughts are fair and not impending on the rights of others. Mill states that, "Free expression of all opinions should be permitted, on condition that the manner be temperate, and do not pass the bounds of fair discussion."(Porter/Mill, p515) What Mill opposes for "civilized" societies is full freedom of thought, and that would include racist thought and racist speech and writings. Marx on the other hand, is of the opinion that people's feelings and opinions are a representation of the community as a whole.
