The philosopher who contributed to modern liberalism through a utilitarian perspective to justify the role of the state as ensuring the freedom of individuals is:
- John Stuart Mill
John Stuart Mill is known for his utilitarian philosophy, which emphasizes maximizing happiness or pleasure while minimizing pain or harm. In his work, he argued that a just society is achieved by maximizing individual freedoms, allowing each person to pursue their own happiness and self-development. This perspective aligns with the idea that social utility is created when individuals have the freedom to become the best version of themselves without causing harm to others.
By promoting individual liberty and emphasizing the importance of minimizing harm, John Stuart Mill's utilitarian approach to liberalism has had a significant influence on modern political thought, particularly in relation to the role of the state in safeguarding individual freedoms.
