Marketplace and Ideas

The expression 'Marketplace of Ideas' has its roots in the writings of Mill, and in the decisions of Justices Holmes and Douglas.  But, in those contexts, a more accurate characterization of the topic under discussion is 'Marketplace of Expression of Opinions', because they are primarily promotions of Free Speech.  Unfortunately, the metaphor also reinforces the concept of Truth as 'what sells'.  Accordingly, any distinction between Knowledge and Opinion collapses, i. e. being accepted suffices as Justification.  Likewise, Argument becomes indistinguishable from Sales-Pitch, an indistinguishability that is especially problematic for Capitalists trying to defend the Laissez-Faire status of the Marketplace.  For, it is entailed in their own principle that all behavior is individual Profit-seeking, i. e. implicit in an appeal to any other criterion is a subordination of that principle.