Queen's University Belfast - Fire in a Crowded Theatre: Philosophers on Free Speech.
This podcast series is all about the philosophy of free speech. Throughout six episodes, Dr Suzanne Whitten from Queen's University, Belfast talks to a range of leading philosophers about some of the most pressing issues surrounding free speech today. Topics include: what is hate speech, and what should be done about it? Should we be concerned with the 'chilling effect' of speech bans? Is online speech different to offline speech?
Latest episodes
Jul 3, 2023 • 41min
Fire in a Crowded Theatre. Episode 6: Philosophers on Free Speech
In this episode, Dr Suzanne Whitten will be speaking to Dr Jeffrey Howard of University College London about 'dangerous' speech'.
May 17, 2023 • 36min
Fire in a Crowded Theatre. Episode 5: Philosophers on Free Speech
In this episode of the podcast, Dr Suzanne discusses misinformation and 'fake news' with Dr Alison MacKenzie of Queen's University Belfast.
May 10, 2023 • 38min
Fire in a Crowded Theatre - Episode 4; Philosophers on Free Speech
Episode 4: In this episode of the podcast, Dr Suzanne Whitten will be speaking to Dr Laura Caponetto (Cambridge University) and Dr Bianca Cepollaro (University Vita-Salute San Raffaele) about 'counterspeech'.
4 snips
Mar 30, 2023 • 35min
Fire in a Crowded Theatre - Episode 3: Philosophers on Free Speech.
Dr Suzanne Whitten, an expert in state-led responses to harmful speech, discusses the challenges of regulating speech with Professor Corey Brettschneider. They explore approaches to free speech like neutrality, militant democracy, and value democracy. The impact of social media on public discourse and the need for transforming platforms for deliberation are also discussed. Misconceptions about social media as a free marketplace and the role of moral education are highlighted. The influence of Fox News in shaping public discourse and concerns about disinformation are explored.
7 snips
Mar 27, 2023 • 36min
Fire in a Crowded Theatre - Episode 2: Philosophers on Free Speech.
Dr. Maxime Lepoutre, Lecturer in Political Theory at the University of Reading, discusses the regulation and definition of hate speech, the conflict between hate speech laws and freedom of speech, and the challenges in implementing hate speech laws.
Mar 14, 2023 • 43min
Fire in a Crowded Theatre - Episode 1: Philosophers on Free Speech
Dr Robert Simpson, Associate Professor in Philosophy at University College London, discusses the chilling effect on free speech, including defamation law and dangerous scientific research. The podcast also explores the correlation between confidence and intensity of opinions, media's influence on perceptions of division, and the entertainment value of hyper-partisan discussions.
