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Rhetorical Analysis Of On Liberty By John Mill

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Thomas Cahill Professor Jason Gardner Present Moral Problems 2 May 2024 Objecting Mill: The Optimal Use of Freedom of Speech In “On Liberty” by John Mill, the author discusses the implications of free speech. Mill argues that free speech should never be infringed upon, as the opinion being spoken provides a great benefit to humanity by encouraging discussion. However, is there a limit to which an opinion can benefit humanity? I argue that there are instances where free speech should be infringed upon. There are statements that are so morally repulsive or objectively incorrect that, when spoken, humanity derives no benefit from it. Knowing what these statements are or the scenarios that they occur in would provide utility for humanity, as we can rid mankind of items that provide no utility …show more content…

While freedom of speech should rarely be limited, there are instances in which opinions generate threats towards individuals within a society. These opinions are currently being punished, but they continue to occur at high rates. It follows that with tougher punishment, we can deter this action from occurring. When we omit these opinions from our freedom of speech, it provides the harsher consequences needed to deter others. Furthermore, it provides the greatest benefit to society, as it still encourages dialogue around controversial topics, only excluding those in which the harm of the idea being spoken is greater than the benefit it provides. Overall, we can use this argument to determine how to optimize the benefit of dialogue around controversial topics by not allowing these conversations to occur when the results will be detrimental to society. Overall, Mill’s argument is correct in that free speech should not be infringed upon in many instances. However, opinions that threaten another individual do not provide benefit and should be inhibited in any way

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