Heterodox Out Loud

Against Free Speech with Anthony Leaker | Ep 21

Sep 19, 2024

In this discussion, Anthony Leaker, a senior lecturer in culture and critical theory at the University of Brighton, unpacks the complexities of free speech. He argues that free speech can be manipulated by those in power, often legitimizing harmful ideologies like racism and sexism. The conversation challenges traditional liberal ideals, exploring how social media and campus dynamics perpetuate inequalities. Leaker asserts the need for a nuanced understanding of free speech, emphasizing its implications on social justice and the importance of diverse perspectives in academia.

01:11:50

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Anthony Leaker

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Quick takeaways

The podcast critiques the concept of free speech as often reinforcing existing power imbalances rather than genuinely promoting open dialogue.

Anthony Leaker emphasizes the importance of contextualizing free speech within societal norms, which can silence marginalized voices.

The discussion advocates for alternative learning methodologies in academic spaces that prioritize collaboration and respect over competitive debate.

Deep dives

The Pragmatic Nature of Speech Norms

Certain ways of speaking are deemed unacceptable within societal contexts, similar to unspoken codes observed within family settings. This recognition of speech norms suggests that society operates under a system that can be inherently silencing to marginalized voices. The podcast discusses the importance of acknowledging these practical implications of speech norms rather than solely viewing free speech as a theoretical principle. By understanding the pragmatic aspects of speech, one gains insights into how individuals navigate conversations within their socio-cultural environments.

Intro

2min

Navigating Academia: A Personal Journey

4min

The Paradox of Free Speech

10min

The Complexities of Free Speech

27min

Emotional Rhetoric and Free Speech Dynamics

23min

Balancing Ideologies in Academia

5min

Exploring Liberalism's Historical Racism and Free Speech Controversies

2min

Is the principle of free speech being weaponized to legitimize harmful ideologies like racism, sexism, and transphobia? What happens when the sanctity of free speech collides with the complexities of societal power dynamics? In today's episode, we navigate this intricate terrain with Anthony Leaker, a senior lecturer in culture and critical theory at the University of Brighton, and the author of "Against Free Speech." John Tomasi and Anthony’s conversation revolves around the contentious and often polarized discussions surrounding free speech on university campuses.

Anthony challenges liberal ideals and advocates for a nuanced interrogation of free speech, particularly how it has been historically weaponized to maintain power imbalances. Through a thought-provoking dialogue, Anthony and John explore how free speech and reason, historically viewed as pillars of liberal democracy, can sometimes obscure deep-seated structural inequalities.

In This Episode:

The defense of free speech versus power imbalances
Historical critiques from John Stuart Mill and Herbert Marcuse
The role of social media and algorithms in perpetuating power structures
Contextual application of free speech in various settings
The legitimacy and impact of deplatforming on campus
The narrative of students' sensitivity and grievances
Affirmative action and ideological imbalances in universities

About Anthony:

Anthony Leaker is a principal lecturer in cultural and critical theory at the University of Brighton. His academic work primarily focuses on political philosophy, critical theory, and issues surrounding free speech and its societal implications. Leaker is best known for his book Against Free Speech (2020), where he argues that the traditional liberal defense of free speech is often co-opted to serve right-wing political agendas and justify the marginalization of oppressed groups.

In Against Free Speech, Leaker critiques the way free speech is invoked in modern political debates, particularly how it has been used to legitimize reactionary movements and suppress marginalized voices. He explores contemporary events such as the Charlie Hebdo attacks, Brexit, and the rise of Donald Trump to analyze how free speech is frequently framed as a neutral right, when in reality, it can be a tool of power structures.

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