Alastair's Adversaria

Does Free Speech Matter?

Feb 16, 2021
Susannah Black, a writer and editor known for her insights on literature, theology, and culture, joins the discussion on the importance of freedom of speech. The conversation dives into the balance between public and private expression and the societal responsibilities that come with free speech. Black critiques the erosion of accountability in anonymous online discourse and emphasizes the need for respectful dialogue. She also explores how Anabaptist virtues can enrich conversations and the ethical obligations that accompany our words in a politically charged environment.
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INSIGHT

O'Donovan's View on Free Speech

  • Oliver O'Donovan views free speech as a duty to candid truth in the public realm, not just a private right or a government concession.
  • Free speech is essential to maintain public social bonds and prevent tyranny through suppressed discourse.
INSIGHT

Context Shapes Free Speech

  • Free speech varies by context: public political discourse, private expression, or deplatforming issues.
  • Understanding who speaks, where, and why is crucial to debates about free speech's meaning and limits.
INSIGHT

Rational vs Imaginative Speech

  • Rational political speech aims at uncovering suppressed public truths, unlike imaginative speech which may shape passions and culture.
  • This distinction is important in evaluating the role of free speech in society.
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