In the novel "Persuasion," Anne Elliott becomes engaged to Captain Wentworth when she is quite young, but is talked out of marrying him by Lady Russell, who is a mother figure to Anne.  After this experience, Captain Wentworth decides that changeability is a vice, and he doesn't respect anyone who changes their mind like that.  

In this session, we will talk about how Austen's novel raises questions about the difference between influence and persuasion.  Who should have influence over another person, and who should not?  What does it mean in today's society to be a professional "influencer?"  We will also talk about why it might sometimes be a good thing to change your mind, even about something very important.  And we will connect this discussion to the political philosophy of John Stuart Mill, and his ideas about freedom of speech.      

Note:  if you like this class, be sure to check out my five-part class on "Jane Austen and Philosophy!"