Liberal Art Studies - Essay Example

Mill and Thoreau Mill’s argument that differing opinions promote creativity as well as bring about truth are relevant for modern professional communities. Many professionals debate with other professionals in their respective fields and there is an open dialogue between them. Through debating, professionals are capable of creating a consensus of opinion that leads to the improvement of the field and therefore society as a whole. Debate and collaboration are also capable of leading to increased creativity, including new and better ways of doing things and more effective solutions to problems.

In a professional setting, resisting the majority does not have the dramatic consequences that resisting the State does because the State is capable of punishing a person more severely. However, there can be unwanted consequences, such as being fired, for going against the majority rule of a corporation. Many positive results have come from resisting the majority and this has been proven in the professional realm as well. This is especially true when the truth and other creative pursuits are repressed and discouraged by the majority.

It would definitely seem that Thoreau’s ideas would be easier to implement in a professional setting. However, resisting in both situations can bring about punishment. A corporation does indeed have a conscious as long as conscientious people are running the particular corporation. It is important that those running a corporation do not suppress ideas and opinions or mistreat employees, although this does happen frequently in the business world. Corporations should, as Thoreau believes, employ “conscientious men” that act accordingly to make sure that corporation acts in an ethical manner.

Also, as Thoreau states, corporations (as well as the government) should “encourage its citizens (workers) to be on alert to point out its faults” (1849). By allowing this, the corporation is capable of keeping itself in check and being answerable to society for its actions. References Mill, J.S. On Liberty. 1859. Thoreau, H.D. On Civil Disobedience. 1849.