Free Speech

Freedom of speech is a value as old as democracy, which began two-and-a-half millennia ago in ancient Athens, where the citizens believed that their freedom to say what they thought was part of what distinguished them from slaves. Free speech covers any kind of communicative act, including the communication of images as well as opinions and ideas. However, most debates about freedom of speech involve the use of legal or quasi-legal coercion. The most important and influential defence of freedom of speech in modern times is that of Mill, in his book On Liberty, first published in 1859. Behind Mill’s defence of free speech lies the harm principle; and behind the harm principle lies the utility principle. Article 19 of the 1948 UN Declaration of Human Rights, for example, guarantees freedom of speech, and that article has been written into the legislation of many countries.

© 2019 selection and editorial matter, David Edmonds; individual
chapters, the contributors

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or
reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.