Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

The purpose of philosophy is to attain the Good. The attainment of the good can be done through a well ordered form of life, and this well ordered form of life can be acquired through a well ordered form of government in the state. This well ordered form of government in the state is what Mill refers as democracy in his moral and political theory. This research delves into detail of the main thesis of John Stuart Mill on democracy. It examines the concept of democracy in the philosophical theory of John Stuart Mill, by portraying it as acceptable democratic system and principles for social change, reformation and transformation towards enhanced societal good and development. Unlike purely procedural conceptions of democracy, Mill conceives democratic governance as both a moral and political enterprise that focuses on promoting the ethical, intellectual and civic development of the citizens in the state. Mill argues that political participation possesses an inherent educative function, public responsibility, civic virtue and fostering rational deliberations among citizens in the society. The study employs the philosophical method of hermeneutics to examine and evaluate Mill's concept of democracy in order to show what constitutes better democratic government in the state. His defense of freedom of expression and individual liberty further reflects his belief that social progress and the common good are best achieved in an environment where diverse opinions and individuality are protected. A closer look at Mill's concept of democracy reveals some of the enduring challenges facing democratic societies in the world today and the challenges are very much evident in most countries of the world when a strictly close examination is given to their democratic systems of governance. The research discovery shows that Mill's concept of democracy in practice has a remedy to contemporary political challenges and instabilities in the contemporary human world and can actually remedy huge political quagmires in the world of politics today, thereby maintaining reasonable peace for social cohesion and human capital development for the growth, good, progress and betterment of all and sundry in the society.

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