free speech

free speech
Liberal constitutions accept some principle of protection of free speech, but its scope and rationale are contested. Speech may include various forms of expression: displaying paintings, wearing political slogans, or burning flags, for example. On the other hand, some forms of speech (shouting ‘fire’ in a crowded theatre; ordering or encouraging a person to use violence on another) seem to deserve no special legal protection. The main positive argument for special protection of free speech is that this protection generates special benefits, either promoting the discovery of truth and error, or serving as a necessary part of educated political decision-making. A negative argument is that the harms caused by speech are somehow less significant than those caused by other actions (‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’). Or, if harm does ensue, it may be that the hearer bears some responsibility, for instance by being disposed to particular kinds of sensitivity. This, however, is contested. A principled argument for free speech is that silencing someone is a particular trespass against their dignity and against the respect due to a free agent. A pragmatic argument for the principle is that speech is an area in which states are particularly tempted to illiberal intrusion.

Philosophy dictionary. . 2011.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • free speech — n 1: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution setting off an alarm bell is not free speech A. M. Dershowitz 2: freedom of speech an unconstitutional restraint on free speech …   Law dictionary

  • Free Speech TV — (FSTV) is a free satellite television station in the United States founded in 1995. Its roots extend back to 1989 with The 90 s public television series and The 90 s Channel cable network. Mission statement Free Speech TV s mission statement… …   Wikipedia

  • free speech|er — «SPEE chuhr», U.S. a person who agitates for free speech, as at a college or university …   Useful english dictionary

  • free speech — noun uncount FREEDOM OF SPEECH …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • free speech — free′ speech′ n. gov freedom of speech • Etymology: 1840–50, amer …   From formal English to slang

  • free speech — noun Date: 1781 speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution; also the right to such speech < an unconstitutional restraint on free speech National Law Journal > …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • free speech — /fri ˈspitʃ / (say free speech) noun the right to express oneself and impart one s opinions in speech or writing or any form of public media. Also, freedom of speech …  

  • Free speech zone — Free speech zones (also known as First Amendment Zones, Free speech cages, and Protest zones) are areas set aside in public places for political activists to exercise their right of free speech in the United States. The First Amendment to the… …   Wikipedia

  • Free speech fights — is the term used to describe a number of conflicts in the early twentieth century, particularly those relating to the efforts of the Industrial Workers of the World (the IWW , or Wobblies ) to organize workers and publicly speak about labor… …   Wikipedia

  • Free Speech on Evolution — is a Discovery Institute intelligent design campaign. It began in 2005 and has been run hand in hand with the Institute s Teach the Controversy campaign. Its goal is to introduce intelligent design into United States public high school science… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”