The United States safe space campus controversy and the paradox of freedom of speech

The article examines a remarkable paradox between the overwhelming public view supporting free speech as a principle, as attested by specific polls about the issue, and the fact that most people require establishing boundaries on certain types of speech. Particularly, while American society seems to...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Pujol, Jordi (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Fernleihe:Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste
Published: Taylor & Francis [2016]
In: Church, Communication and Culture
Year: 2016, Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Pages: 240-254
IxTheo Classification:FD Contextual theology
KAJ Church history 1914-; recent history
KBQ North America
Further subjects:B John Milton
B Enlightenment
B safe spaces
B Tolerance
B Freedom of speech
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
Description
Summary:The article examines a remarkable paradox between the overwhelming public view supporting free speech as a principle, as attested by specific polls about the issue, and the fact that most people require establishing boundaries on certain types of speech. Particularly, while American society seems to openly accept free speech and even hate speech, the new generation of America requires 'safe spaces' without offensive speech. This paradox seems to be a blow to the liberal position regarding freedom of speech, specifically to the principle of tolerance. John Milton's call for liberal tolerance based on Voltaire's enlightened conception is explored in contrast to the classical understanding.
ISSN:2375-3242
Contains:Enthalten in: Church, Communication and Culture
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/23753234.2016.1234124