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Dickens, Freedom of Expression, Household Words, J. S. Mill, On Liberty, Philosophy, Political Critique
The Victorian Period saw rising literacy rates, and improvements in print production meant an increased availability of literature and periodicals. Victorians held opposing feelings towards the rapid advancement occurring in their society. While fascinated with progress, many were fearful of the instability the pursuit of progress brought. Skepticism and dissent regarding politics and religion threatened order with instability. John Stuart Mill, in his 1859 book On Liberty argues the Victorians felt “not so much that their opinions are true, as that they should not know what to do without them” (125). With the growing circulation of newspapers and journals, there was a new role of the press in the shaping and sharing of public opinion. Chapter 2 of Mill’s On Liberty, “Of the Liberty of Thought and Discussion,” provides a detailed defense of the freedom to share opinions. “Supposing!” is an entertaining social and political critique published in 1850 in Charles Dickens’ periodical Household Words. “Supposing!” is an example of Mill’s ideas of freedom of expression that also reinforces his philosophy of a progression towards truth through the reconciling of opposing opinions.
John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was an economist and philosopher who in chapter two of On Liberty argues that the suppression of any opinion has a detrimental effect on society. Mill claims that even if it could be certain that a suppressed opinion is false, it is still harmful to stifle it. The need to understand and justify an opinion in the face of opposition creates a “clearer perception and livelier impression of truth” (123). Mill also discusses a more common case with competing doctrines, where two apparently opposing opinions “share the truth between them” (127). Continue reading
Posted by english387vct | Filed under Labour and Class, Student Entry