The Limitations Of John Stuart Mill And Freedom Of Speech

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In the society of today, discussion on the topic of freedom of speech is at a forefront. The question on whether there are any limitations on the freedom of speech is one which causes a constant battle between “right and wrong” within the media and with public institutions. The argument that there are no limitations to expression is one which bears a lot of support from not just the liberalist area of society, but also quite often draws a lot of support from the conservative part too, as it is something that allows both sides to express their opinions. The importance of expressing ones opinions is something that the philosopher and economist John Stuart Mill believes is a fundamental part of human liberty. It is certainly true that there are always more than one way of looking at a situation, and finding truth within a situation can only be found if there are no limitations to people’s freedom of expressing their opinions on the said situation. Mill’s argument that since no-one is infallible, freedom of speech is necessary for the discovery and defence of truth (p443, John Stuart Mill and Freedom of Speech – Il Pensiero Politico 4.3: T.D Campbell. 1st Jan 1971) has been extremely influential in defending the freedom of speech.
One of Mill’s core arguments when it comes to liberty and freedom of speech is that there is an inherent importance and duty to “act out” or express one’s opinion, that it is important for humans to engage in discussion as no-one person’s view is