POSC 101: Mill Reading - Notes

Coercion

The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.

Liberty of Thought

The right to hold one's own beliefs and opinions without interference.

Public opinion

The collective preferences and attitudes of the public regarding political, social, and cultural issues.

Silencing dissent

The action of suppressing opinions or expressions that differ from the majority or established norms.

Infallibility

The inability to be wrong or to make mistakes; often assumed by those in power.

Rational conduct

Behavior that is based on reason and logical thinking rather than emotional impulse.

Fallibility

The inability to be infallible; the tendency to make mistakes or be wrong.

Discussion

The action or process of talking about something to reach a decision or to exchange ideas.

Intolerance

Unwillingness to accept views, beliefs, or behavior that differ from one's own.

Judgment

The ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions.

Utility of beliefs

The usefulness or practical value of certain beliefs or doctrines in society.

Dogma

Principles or beliefs that are accepted as authoritative and not allowed to be disputed.

Censorship

The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information.

Counterargument

An argument or set of reasons put forward to oppose an idea or theory developed in another argument.

Absolute certainty

Complete assurance that something is true, often seen as unattainable.