Discussion Questions on Chapters 1 and 2 of On Liberty

1. On page 9 Mill describes the "one simple principle" that he will defend. What is that principle? Why should we believe it?

2. What does Mill take freedom to be?

3. In the paragraph beginning on the last line of page 17, Mill develops an objection to his defense of freedom of speech. What is that objection, and what is Mill's response?

4. Would Mill permit censorship in any circumstances? Can you think of circumstances in which censorship is justified?