#397 – Greg Lukianoff: Cancel Culture, Deplatforming, Censorship & Free Speech

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Sep 25, 2023

Greg Lukianoff, a free speech advocate and president of FIRE, dives into the complexities of cancel culture and its chilling effects on open dialogue, particularly in academia. He discusses how fear of repercussions stifles free expression and leads to self-censorship. The conversation touches on the role of the First Amendment, the imbalance of viewpoints in educational settings, and the importance of fostering empathy and curiosity in discourse. Lukianoff emphasizes the need to uphold diverse opinions to combat polarization and promote a healthier dialogue.

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INSIGHT

Free Speech and Science

Free speech and scientific inquiry are linked by epistemology, the study of knowledge.
Both recognize human knowledge is limited and self-deceiving, necessitating open discourse.

INSIGHT

First Amendment and Viewpoint Discrimination

The First Amendment aims to eliminate conflict over opinions and religion by protecting fundamental rights.
Viewpoint discrimination, censoring specific opinions within a forum, is a major free speech violation.

INSIGHT

Business and Free Speech

While businesses have the right to fire employees for political opinions, this impacts democratic society.
If every business becomes an expressive association, it creates a chilling effect on free speech.

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None

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