So to Speak: The Free Speech Podcast Ep. 234: The Chicago Canon
Jan 23, 2025
Tony Banout, the inaugural executive director of the Forum on Free Inquiry at the University of Chicago, and Tom Ginsburg, a distinguished international law professor, discuss the university’s dedication to free speech. They explore the origins and importance of free expression within academia, referencing key historical documents that guide these principles. The conversation also highlights the challenges of maintaining institutional neutrality amid modern pressures. Ultimately, they underscore the vital role of discomfort in education for fostering genuine inquiry and diverse viewpoints.
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UChicago's Founding Principles
- The University of Chicago, founded during the progressive era, prioritized complete freedom of speech from its inception.
- This commitment stemmed from a dedication to science, societal service, and democratic ideals, coinciding with the rise of academic freedom and the First Amendment.
Free Speech in Academia
- Free speech in universities doesn't mean the absence of constraints, but rather the ability to challenge ideas through open debate.
- Constraints like grades and disciplinary boundaries are necessary for maintaining open inquiry, which is the university's primary mission.
Hutchins' University Definition
- Robert M. Hutchins defined a university as a community of scholars, distinct from kindergartens, clubs, or propaganda agencies.
- This definition emphasizes the university's core mission of scholarship and knowledge discovery.