John Stuart Mill
Om Tanke- och Yttrandefrihet
"Om Tanke- och Yttrandefrihet" by John Stuart Mill is a philosophical treatise written in the late 19th century. It is actually an excerpt from the second chapter of Mill's larger work "On Liberty," focusing specifically on the topics of freedom of thought and expression. The text delves into the philosophical underpinnings of why freedom of speech is essential for individual and societal development, arguing against the suppression of dissenting opinions. The opening of the text lays the groundwork for a robust discussion on the importance of free expression in a healthy society. Mill begins by asserting that governmental or societal efforts to suppress opinions, regardless of whether they align with the majority, are inherently unjust. He emphasizes that no individual or collective can claim infallibility in their beliefs; thus, all perspectives should be open to debate and scrutiny. The text suggests that understanding a truth requires engagement with opposing viewpoints, and silencing dissenters denies everyone the opportunity to refine their understanding of truth, thereby impoverishing society as a whole.