Vocabulary in On Liberty

Vocabulary Examples in On Liberty:

Chapter I. Introductory.

"primâ facie..." See in text (Chapter I. Introductory.)

Prima facie is a Latin phrase for "first face" or "first sight." It is often used to mean "at first sight" or to denote a surface level meaning.

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"backward states of society in which the race itself may be considered as in its nonage..." See in text (Chapter I. Introductory.)

Mill's referring to "backward states of society" is an example of the racist language of his era, with many naming any non-white, European society as so-called uncivilized. This language reinforced a colonial and imperialist worldview, wherein white Europeans sought to bring "civilization" to others.

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"The only part of the conduct of any one, for which he is amenable to society, is that which concerns others..." See in text (Chapter I. Introductory.)

In other words, society should only be concerned with an individual's actions if those actions affect others.

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"who aspire to the character of philosophers..." See in text (Chapter I. Introductory.)

In other words, people who consider themselves philosophers. However, this phrasing suggests that Mill would not label them as such.

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"constitutional checks..." See in text (Chapter I. Introductory.)

A set of limitations, agreed upon by the public or its representatives, imposed on rulers.

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