Comparative analysis of Plato’s and John Stuart Mill’s approaches towards the notion of liberty

Study towards the notion of liberty remains relevant at any time since the idea of freedom remains a basis of the contemporary democracies and other modern liberal political regimes. This article traces the differences between the two theoretical approaches towards the liberty: of the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato and the British economist and politician of the XIX century, John Stuart Mill. The research reveals common features of the concepts: while Plato can be considered to be a representative of the ancient philosophy with the peculiar comprehending of liberty notion, John Stuart Mill, adhering liberalist views, proposes the classical understanding of the concept. Moreover, the article will contribute to the distinguishing between the contemporary perception towards the freedom and the ideas of philosophers of the past. In addition, the research is based on the comparative analysis of the following criteria: the authors' attitude to the concept of liberty in general, views on the freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of the will, approaches to the political regimes, like tyranny and democracy, opinions about the necessity of customs, as well as about the issues of individuality, personal development, and the system of citizens' control.