Philosophy of Free Speech (SNF Paideia Program Course)

Catalog description

This seminar emphasizes the philosophical foundations of free-speech theory while also examining the development of First Amendment jurisprudence in the U.S. and free-speech policies in other countries. The instructor comes to the subject as a longtime philosopher, lawyer and journalist engaged with free-speech issues, and the course will incorporate all three perspectives. Readings will include such authors as Milton, Mill, Stephen, Holmes, Chafee, Meiklejohn, Emerson, Smolla, Schauer, Strossen, Baker, Whittington, Stone, Nossel and McWhorter. Assignments will include watching and discussing a number of classic films about free-speech issues.