Mill starts the chapter with what he takes to be the obvious truth that governments shouldn’t censor the press. Mill argues that disagreement is a really good thing not just for a healthy political society, but also epistemically: it’s good because it helps us ultimately believe and appreciate the truth.

We will read excerpts from Chapter 2, 'Of the Liberty of Thought and Discussion.' This chapter also contributes to the field of philosophy called epistemology, or the study of knowledge and rationality. Thus, On Liberty can be roughly characterized as political philosophy. “the importance, to man and society, of a large variety in types of character, and of giving full freedom to human nature to expand itself in innumerable and conflicting directions.' In his Autobiography, Mill wrote that On Liberty was about Mill's book On Liberty explores the limits on the kinds of power society may legitimately exercise over individuals. For example, Mill wrote numerous essays about specific social problems such as slavery and the status of women. This is important because, though he is perhaps best known for his role in developing utilitarianism, Mill was particularly interested in the social and political problems of the Victorian Era, and in much of his work he sought a practical influence. Mill lived from 1806-1873, meaning his adult life was during the height of Victorian Era England. The classic work Pride and Prejudice is set in Victorian Era England.

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