Free Speech

Introduction

Free speech, a cornerstone of democratic societies, is the principle that individuals possess the inherent right to express their thoughts, opinions, and ideas without censorship or restraint from authorities. Rooted in Enlightenment philosophies and mentioned in various constitutions globally (such as the First Amendment of the United States constitution), free speech pertains not only to spoken word but extends to various modes of expression, including print, art, and digital platforms.^[1]

At its core, free speech serves as a bedrock for fostering open discourse, pluralism, and the exchange of different viewpoints. The principle extends beyond government interference, and empowers individuals to challenge prevailing norms, question authority, and advocate for change. 

The boundaries of free speech have been continuously debated, trying to find the right balance between preserving individual freedoms and preventing speech that is perceived as encouraging hate or violence. Moreover, its implementation requires a nuanced understanding of the responsibilities that accompany such liberties.

Conservative perspective

There are three main reasons why conservatives value free speech. First, conservatives emphasize the importance of protecting individual liberties in the defense against authoritarianism. Second, conservatives argue against political correctness and hate speech laws. Third, free speech promotes the exchange of ideas and public debates.

Individual liberty and anti-authoritarianism

Conservatives emphasize the inherent right of individuals to express their thoughts and ideas without government interference, arguing that free speech is a crucial aspect of individual liberty, allowing citizens to engage in open discourse and shape their own beliefs. Moreover, conservatives champion constitutional rights, such as the first amendment of the United States constitution, which explicitly protects freedom of speech against any censorship attempts.^[2]

Conservatives express concerns about government overreach and the potential for authoritarianism. The argument is that limiting free speech could empower authorities to control public discourse, oppressing dissent and hindering the checks and balances necessary for a healthy democracy, in addition to it infringing on personal freedoms.

Opposing political correctness and hate speech laws

Some conservatives express concerns about political correctness, arguing that it can stifle free speech by discouraging open dialogue and suppressing dissenting opinions. Conservatives see the push for politically correct language as a form of censorship, arguing that it led to the creation of “cancel culture” and to people self-censoring in fear of societal backlash.^[3]

Many conservatives oppose laws that regulate hate speech, arguing that there’s no agreement on what is considered as hate speech and such laws can be subjective, leading to the suppression of unpopular or dissenting views. Conservatives, often emphasize the importance of protecting even offensive speech to maintain a truly free and open society. This isn’t to say that conservatives support all speech, for example, slander and serious threats of murder/terrorism should be banned (at least by private institutions) according to many conservatives. However, many modern uses and examples of “hate speech” are seen as political preferences and silencing tactics rather than real examples of dangerous dialogue.

Exchange of ideas

Conservatives liken society to a marketplace of ideas where diverse opinions compete, arguing that free speech enables the robust exchange of competing viewpoints, fostering intellectual diversity and contributing to the discovery of truth. Conservatives assert that such an approach ultimately leads to the best ideas prevailing, leading to the overall improvement of society without banning potentially useful discourse.