John Stuart Mill and the Value of Dissent

Who benefits from dissenting views? In a democratic society that champions free speech, dissent is often held up as an ideal. But what are the true effects of dissent on those subject to hearing it, and what happens when dissent is impossible? In this activity, students will analyze and discuss an excerpt from John Stuart Mill’s “On Liberty” to explore the concept of free speech and to assess the value of dissent for both majority and minority voices.