Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 116 | Teresa Bejan on Free Speech, Civility, and Toleration
Sep 28, 2020
Teresa Bejan, an Associate Professor of Political Theory at the University of Oxford, delves into the challenges of free speech and civility in today’s polarized discourse. She discusses the tension between free expression and the potential harms of hate speech, emphasizing the philosophical underpinnings of tolerance. Bejan also examines historical figures like Roger Williams and the evolution of civility, arguing for a robust engagement with opposing views. The conversation covers modern debates in universities and the complexities of maintaining civil discourse amidst cancel culture.
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Two Kinds of Free Speech
- Ancient Greeks distinguished isagoria (right to participate in public debate) from paresia (license to speak freely).
- Both translate to "free speech," causing confusion in modern discussions.
Negative Free Speech
- Humans struggle to apply values universally and are clearer on who should not have a voice.
- Free speech discussions often focus on silencing disliked groups instead of promoting specific voices.
Hate Speech and Free Speech
- Hate speech can be seen as an exercise of paresia (speaking freely).
- Conversely, concerns about hate speech's harm relate to isagoria (equal right to speak).
