In theory, I agree with most of Mill’s views for freedom of thought and action. It is certainly true that we should not always pressume that our views are correct and it can certianly be stilting to society if we were to remain ignorant to other religions and viewpoints- for example if the BNP were to gain power, all view points and actions would be extremely limiting and would lead to more difficulties than solutions. Equally, I feel it is important to constantly discuss your viewpoints. It becomes so easy to say you hold a view or a faith yet either not understand what doing so means or to simply forget. Thus, to argue and debate these things won’t only develop your rational and thinking but also allow you to constantly question yourself and your beliefs.
However, there are flaws in his argument. For instance, I don’t believe that it is true that every argument has an element of truth in it. Obviously, the majority of viewpoints do have sense and elements of truth in them but firstly, some views just are clearly ridiculous and even if some contain elements of truth how are we meant to recognise what these are if we are ‘infallible’?
Also, listening to all the different view points and ways of acting is impractical in itself. If you spend all your time llistening to other people’s views and considering them and admitting your own infallibillity, there is no chance to form your own opinions and to enter the debates yourself.
