Lex Fridman Podcast

#377 – Harvey Silverglate: Freedom of Speech

May 16, 2023

Harvey Silverglate, a free speech advocate and co-founder of FIRE, discusses the importance of freedom of speech as a fundamental human right. He explores the evolution of free speech advocacy and its challenges, particularly within academic settings. Silverglate emphasizes the need for open dialogue, accountability in funding practices, and protecting diverse viewpoints to foster understanding. He shares insights on navigating the complexities of governance at Harvard and critiques contemporary issues surrounding censorship and surveillance, advocating for a culture of authentic discourse.

01:55:28

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Episode guests

Harvey Silverglate

Highlights

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Episode notes

The Importance of Freedom of Speech in American Democracy

01:52

Opposition to Teachers Unions and Inequality in Public Schools

02:15

Challenges in achieving true equality and the importance of education

02:00

Why Free Speech is Crucial in Higher Education

01:04

Intro

2min

Exploring Diet Convenience and Home Security Solutions

4min

The Evolution of Free Speech Advocacy

2min

The Essence of Free Speech

17min

The Battle for Academic Freedom

12min

Navigating Governance and Free Speech at Harvard

20min

The Ethics of Free Speech and Funding in Academia

15min

Navigating Free Speech and Equality in Academia

11min

Controversial Voices and Ethical Dilemmas

19min

10.

Surveillance and the Erosion of Privacy Rights

3min

11.

Navigating the Complexities of Justice and Precedent

3min

12.

Reflections on Mortality and Life Choices

7min

Harvey Silverglate is a free speech advocate, co-founder of FIRE, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Expression, and author of several books on freedom of speech and criminal justice. He is running for Harvard Board of Overseers on a platform of free speech. If you’re a Harvard Alumni, please consider voting for him by Tue, May 16, 5pm ET: https://www.harvey4harvard.com/ballot Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Vote for Harvey: https://www.harvey4harvard.com/ballot
Harvey’s Website: https://www.harveysilverglate.com/
FIRE’s Website: https://www.thefire.org/

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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(06:23) – Freedom of speech
(28:04) – Bureaucracy in Universities
(44:18) – Clash of ideas
(47:56) – Public education is broken
(59:33) – Jeffrey Epstein
(1:12:26) – Freedom of thought and liberal arts
(1:23:30) – Interviewing controversial people
(1:27:14) – Alan Dershowitz
(1:30:28) – Donald Trump
(1:37:27) – FBI
(1:45:52) – Criminal justice system
(1:48:20) – Advice

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