Background
for Teachers
This module is best approached as an explanation of why freedom of speech is an important freedom. The teacher might begin by asking himself or herself a question about freedom in general: Do I think that freedom in general is important and if so, why do I think that? Reflecting on this will hopefully bring up some answers such as individuals arguably value freedom because it allows them to do what they want and also allows them to construct their overall life plan in accordance with their desires (choose occupations, choose friends, etc.). After this, one might follow up by reflecting on the question of specific freedoms. Thus, one might ask oneself questions about freedom of privacy, freedom of movement (travel), freedom to choose occupations, freedom of speech, etc. At this point it would be beneficial to list a few reasons why one values freedoms such as these. One might reflect, for example, on why you value your privacy. What is it that privacy allows you to do or not to do? Or, what is it that privacy allows you to be or not to be? Consideration of these questions will hopefully lead quite naturally to J.S. Mill’s essay which offers four distinct arguments for why we should value freedom of speech.
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