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Mill's Assumptions

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On Liberty Essay

Assumptions are by definition “an idea or notion” that is outwardly known and accepted as the truth (“Assumptions”). Mill defends his argument for free speech on a basis of numerous assumptions, one of which is utility. This is an assumption of Mill’s argument because he does not question that allowing others to speak freely is useful. The notion that freedom of speech and opinion is useful is one of the basic tenets of his essay. Mill refers to this claim and its many benefits for society throughout his paper. In such instances Mill refers to the assumptive fact that allowing others to express their opinions can lead to truth. This is another idea that lie at the basis for this essay. In listing reasons for free speech, …show more content…

Throughout Mill’s essay, he argues against the oppressive tyranny of the government in silencing the opinions of others. He warns that “there needs to be protection also against the tyrant of the prevailing opinion of feeling; against the tendency of society to impose… its own ideas on those who dissent from them” (Mill 9). Mill justifies this statement by explaining that limiting government interference in the life of the individual ensures the absence of despotism or, in other words, tyranny (Mill 9). From a political/philosophical standpoint, allowing individuals to speak freely affords others the ability to be challenged and through this one can eliminate falsehoods and discover the truth in society in ways that tyranny denies (Mill 19). Mill’s view on truth, social progress, and utility are fully in accordance with my own. I believe that it is a strong argument on behalf on Mill to include the above in his essay because in my opinion these are very strong reasons for why freedom of speech should prevail in society. Not only is allowing one to freely speak their opinion beneficial to themselves because they are allowed to share their views with others and discuss matters that may be of importance to them, but it is also beneficial to others through allowing them to revise their opinion in the presence of compelling facts which lessens ignorance in society, and proves the livelihood of their opinion through active discussion. The benefits of individuality discussed by Mill have further proven to be useful as these benefits are seen in own liberal democratic society (e.g. debates on facts leading to the truth; earth is flat vs

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