John Stuart Mill and Freedom of Expression: The Genesis of a Theory

By: K. C. O'Rourke

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Synopsis: The arguments advanced in the second chapter of On Liberty (1859) have become the touchstone for practically every discussion of freedom of speech. Yet the broader development of John Stuart Mill’s ideas concerning intellectual liberty has generally been neglected. This work represents the first comprehensive attempt to look beyond On Liberty in order to understand the evolution of Mill’s ideas concerning intellectual freedom throughout his life. Utilising the full thirty-three volumes of the recently completed Collected Works of John Stuart Mill, this work explores the many influences and characters that came to bear on Mill’s mature ideas. The author argues that On Liberty’s case for freedom of expression is based primarily on the key role that it has to play in the development and maintenance of individuality in society, rather than political unity or the importance of the discovery of truth, as it is traditionally interpreted. While thus challenging many other contemporary interpretations, the author attempts to introduce a clearer understanding of the principle of liberty defended by Mill. Scholars and students working in the fields of philosophy, political thought and the history of ideas, as well as those exploring the relevance of Mill to contemporary legal and media issues, will find this work original and enlightening.