What does Mill say about the meaning of an opinion without debate?

What does Mill say about the meaning of an opinion without debate?

• A. Debate is unnecessary for preserving meaning.
• B. False opinions contain no value.
• C. Even true opinions lose meaning without debate.
• D. Debates only benefit those in power.

Answer: (C)

Mill holds that the meaning and vitality of an opinion come from the possibility of testing it through free debate. When an opinion is exposed to counterarguments and the reasons behind it are examined, its grounds are clarified, defended, and sometimes refined. Without that challenge, even a true belief can become inert—unproven, unpersuasive, and less meaningful because its justification isn’t tested or shared. So the act of debate keeps beliefs alive and instructive, ensuring they hold up under scrutiny. The other ideas miss this point: debate isn’t unnecessary, false opinions can still play a role by testing truth, and Mill argues that open, inclusive discussion benefits everyone, not just those in power.

Mill holds that the meaning and vitality of an opinion come from the possibility of testing it through free debate. When an opinion is exposed to counterarguments and the reasons behind it are examined, its grounds are clarified, defended, and sometimes refined. Without that challenge, even a true belief can become inert—unproven, unpersuasive, and less meaningful because its justification isn’t tested or shared. So the act of debate keeps beliefs alive and instructive, ensuring they hold up under scrutiny. The other ideas miss this point: debate isn’t unnecessary, false opinions can still play a role by testing truth, and Mill argues that open, inclusive discussion benefits everyone, not just those in power.