John Stuart Mill and pornography: beyond the harm principle

Article Abstract:

David Dyzenhaus and Robert Skipper fail in their attempt to reassess John Stuart Mill's 'On Liberty' in the light of the problem of pornography. Contrary to their claims, the text does allow for restrictions on degrading pornography. Critics assert that Mill's belief in the freedom of expression and the harm principle as a basis of legislation results in a conflict between these two when applied to pornography. However, Mill does not talk about freedom of expression nor does he use the topic in the way it is interpreted. A study of pornography through the conflict of expression and harm is not possible.

Criticism and interpretation, On Liberty (Book), Dyzenhaus, David, Skipper, Robert

---

John Stuart Mill and the harm of pornography

Article Abstract:

John Stuart Mill would have been sympathetic to the feminist case for censoring pornography. His account of coercion appearing as consent in 'The Subjection of Women' suggests that he would support a broad conception of harm, which would legitimate government interference to promote equality for women. Since Mill is a founder of liberalism, this analysis points toward a possible reconciliation of liberalism with the feminist position against pornography.

Liberalism

---

Mill and pornography

Article Abstract:

A number of aspects of David Dyzenhaus's argument concerning Mill's harm principle and pornography are problematic. Dyzenhaus is concerned with the indoctrination of women, yet the pornography he discusses is directed at men. Dyzenhaus also mistakenly assumes that eroticizing a value negates reason and autonomy. Mill's harm principle is not appropriate for analyzing an issue as small as pornography.

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Peter Miller, axiology and environmental ethics. Value as richness: Peter Miller's challenge. Peter Miller, forestry and the ethics of integrity
• Abstracts: Systematic corruption in financial services, types of capitalism, and ethics intervention methods. Law and ethics in the information age

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.