Conversations with Peter Boghossian The Future of Free Speech w/Jacob Mchangama
Apr 28, 2025
Join Jacob Mchangama, the founder of The Future of Free Speech and a research professor at Vanderbilt, as he dives into vital discussions about free speech's role in democracy. They debate how best to frame free speech, with Jacob emphasizing its moral weight as a cornerstone of human dignity. The conversation also touches on the contrasts of free speech between authoritarian regimes and democracies, the challenges posed by religious beliefs, and the implications of AI on culture. A thought-provoking exploration of free expression and its significance!
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Free Speech as Foundational Right
- Jacob Mchangama argues free speech is foundational to freedom, equality, and human dignity, underpinning democracy and rule of law.
- It is the "first freedom" enabling advocacy on any societal issue by influencing public opinion and policy.
Free Speech Depends on Democracy
- Free speech assumes democracy is desirable; authoritarian regimes like China reject it to maintain control.
- Some groups reject current democratic systems, viewing free speech frameworks as tools of oppression.
Conditional Views on Free Speech
- Many groups support free speech only if it furthers their own justice conceptions, limiting opposing views.
- European hate speech laws reflect clashes between free speech and equality/human dignity, unlike broad American protections.
