Mill On Free Speech

Question 1

Mills first argument for free speech

Answer 1

“The opinion may possibly be true”
-there is always a chance that any opinion may be true, no objective falsehood
-This opinion allows for more positive academic discourse

Question 2

Mills second argument for free speech

Answer 2

“He who knoes only his own side of the case, knows little of that”
-if you cant fully explain your own opinion, you have a dead dogma not a living truth
-If you cannot refute the other side, you have no grounds for believing either opinion.

Question 3

Why does Mill think we need to seek out opinions that are contrary to our own?

Answer 3

They help us sharpen and confirm our own opinions

Question 4

Why does Mill think it is wrong to silence those who hold false opinions or question known truth?

Answer 4

-No objective truth, any opinion can possibly be true
-history is filled with suppressed truths that are now accepted

Question 5

What is the difference between a dead dogma and a living truth?

Answer 5

Dead dogmas are beliefs that are so unquestioned that one does not know how to defend them… living truths are often questioned but are vigorously defended.

Question 6

To whom, or what do we do the greatest harm when we suppress opinions of those who think differently from us?

Answer 6

Ourselves, the listeners/consumers