Why is freedom of expression necessary for freedom of thought?
The answer is not laid out in any great detail in the text. The answer seems to be that thinking about these subjects is an interactive process. We work out our thoughts through discussion with other persons. Having set out Mill’s full account of the Harm Principle, we should begin to examine whether or not the Harm Principle does promote utility over the long run. But first, we must do one more thing to fill out Mill’s version of utilitarianism. Question #4: What is Mill’s understanding of human well-being? hedonistic utilitarianism vs. eudaimonistic utilitarianism We know that Mill isn’t a hedonistic utilitarian. But we need to fill out his eudaimonistic alternative. 1. Mill values the higher pursuits (science, philosophy, history, literature). 2. Good pursuits are merely good behaviour if people do not pursue them with an understanding of why they are good. Good lives are intellectually active. We live well when we understand and appreciate truth. Another selection from On Liberty I
