Chapter 2, paragraph 1
If all mankind minus one were of one opinion... mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind.Read in Books4Free →
Liberty of Thought and Discussion
From On Liberty by John Stuart Mill
Mill's defense of absolute freedom of opinion based on fallibilism: silencing any opinion robs humanity, since the opinion may be true, partly true, or, if false, needed to keep true beliefs from becoming dead dogma.
Chapter 2, paragraphs 10-20
The argument from infallibility: 'All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.'
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Fourfold summary of why free discussion is necessary, including the doctrine of 'dead dogma' versus 'living truth.'
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