Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

J.S. Mill's boundaries of freedom of expression: a critique

Cohen-Almagor, Raphael

Authors



Abstract

The essay opens with some background information about the period in which JS Mill wrote. The discussion revolves around the concept of blasphemy which Mill considered to be highly problematic. Tagging unpopular views as “blasphemous” amounted to abuse of governmental powers and infringed on the basic liberties of the out-of-favour speakers. The discussion on blasphemy sets the scene to the understanding of Mill’s concerns, his priorities and consequently his emphasis on the widest possible liberty of expression. Section II presents the Millian principles that are pertinent to his philosophy of free speech: liberty and truth. Section III analyzes Mill’s very limited boundaries to freedom of expression, asserting that the consequentialist reasoning had led Mill to ignore present tangible harm. It is argued that democracy is required to develop protective mechanisms against harm-facilitating speech.

Citation

Cohen-Almagor, R. (2017). J.S. Mill's boundaries of freedom of expression: a critique. Philosophy : the journal of the British Institute of Philosophical Studies, 92(4), 565-596. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031819117000213

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 1, 2016
Online Publication Date Jun 6, 2017
Publication Date 2017-10
Deposit Date May 24, 2017
Publicly Available Date Jun 6, 2017
Journal Philosophy
Print ISSN 0031-8191
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 92
Issue 4
Pages 565-596
DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031819117000213
Keywords Blasphemy, Freedom of expression, Harm Principle, Incitement, J.S. Mill, Religion
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/451666
Publisher URL https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/philosophy/article/js-mills-boundaries-of-freedom-of-expression-a-critique/6B0C67F2EA2DAE08B6C08D5FD83AC1BB
Additional Information License: Copyright © The Royal Institute of Philosophy 2017 
Contract Date May 24, 2017

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations