Freedom+of+Speech

I believe that the freedom of speech directly relates to J.S Mills single most important aspect of 'liberty'; the HARM PRINCIPLE "of doing as we like, subject to such consequences as may follow: without impediment from our fellow creatures, so long as what we do does not harm them" (source: legacies booklet, pg 40, reading 4.11) As long as we apply this notion to everything we say and do, then why shouldnt we have the absolute freedom of speech?

Freedom of speech refers to the right to project and express ones opinion and thoughts. 1901: The Freedom of speech arose with the theory of liberty and thus gradually developed in the society. Freedom of speech can successfully be found in John Stuart Millss theories and writings. It reflects to his theory on both liberty and the "harm principle".

Today: Freedom of speech can be found today but limits their freedom when individuals are restricted to project few things. For example discrimination.

Freedom of speech is not solely the freedom to say anything you like, but the freedom to express yourself in any way you see fit, and that fully reflects how you feel and what you think. This concept relates to Mills' theory of liberty, particularly the 'Harm Principle,' because unless you are harming someone by expressing yourself, you should be free to act as you want. The fact that there are restrictions however, raises the question do people/will people every fully have this basic human right/freedom?  Freedom of speech is directly related to the freedom of intellect. This states that a person has the freedom to hold opinions without disturbance or discrimination and to communicate by any means information and ideas despite social limits or ideals. This is of course restricted to some degree in the way that the expression of our opinions is harmful to one other, or many other parties.

===Freedom of speech combines both the notions of "liberty of tastes and pursuits" (i.e. the opportunity to dictate and frame the manner in which you live, which is unique according to each individual) and "liberty of consciousness" (i.e. Having the freedom to say, think and feel in any way you wish, without any restriction on the senses). Through this freedom, people may have the opportunity to hold any opinion or thought, yet also express it in a manner which is not at detriment to others (in coherence with J.S Mill's "Harm Principle"). The Harm Principle reflects the idea that each individual has the right to act as he/she wants, so long as these actions do not negatively affect others.=== ===IN TERMS OF 19th C GERMANY: Many liberals wished to have the freedom of speech recognised by their governments. This meant they would determine how the country was governed (in a non-tyrannical manner). This particular freedom would also encourage the establishment of a constitution which was accountable to its citizen's needs and desires.===

Now, everyone has the opporunity to speak their own mind whereas back in the day, unless you were wealthy and/or a man and/or white then you had no chance of being able to speak your own mind. In todays society, we have been given the privilege of being able to speak our minds without any exceptions (besides the 'Harm Principle')