Is There Another Way to Discover the Truth than by Free Discussion?
Many people (including the Pope) think that if speech is left free, false views will generally be more easily adopted than true ones.
Social Criticism not Identical with the Urge to Provoke
We all think – at least most of us – that Darwin had to publish the Origin in spite of “sorrow” or “pain” or “hurt…
People Are Not Being Insulted for Having a Religion
If, under the mantle of political correctness, it were possible to dispose of religious criticism, the social costs would be enormous.
Freethought under Fire
In the 1960s and 1970s many people seemed inclined to think that freedom of speech was vitally important. Nowadays, it is less popular.
Freedom of Speech and Philosophers on the Index
Countless books now considered indispensable works of the Western tradition were for a long time suppressed by the Catholic Church.
The Deontological and Utilitarian Justifications for Free Speech
All new ideas were, in a way, won over hurt feelings, shattered worldviews – all new ideas generated resistance and opposition.
The Limits of Free Speech
For fear of a “Clash of Civilizations”, the Western world increasingly backs down on human rights, and freedom of speech in particular.
Freedom of speech as the second pillar of freethought
What should the reaction of open or liberal societies be to the assault we experience on the principles on which they are based?
Freethinkers are right to contend that religion deserves to be criticized
Some people think religion has no real influence on what happens in the world. This group is composed of believers and unbelievers alike.
Religion has to be subjected to criticism
The attempt to argue that the evil sides of religion are simply “not religious” is not convincing. Religion has to be subjected to criticism.
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