Join us at this week's meeting of the Philosophy Club virtually or in-person (Auerbach 320) this Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. as Brian Skelly presents on the topic "Our Duty to Protect Free Speech."
OVERVIEW:
The support of freedom of speech is vital to the health and happiness of human beings everywhere, individually, socially, and organizationally. and in all our activities public and private. But the implications and conditions of that support vary over context, even though the ultimate grounds for that support do not. In particular, convincing arguments have been made for why public sector sovereignties have the onus to protect freedom of speech by accepting it as a negative right, such that no laws be passed which effectively, even if indirectly, discourage or ban the speech of individuals and groups in a manner that hinders the discussion and consideration of topics in the public forum.
A more careful consideration of this case for freedom of speech should lead us now in the direction accomplishing three things: first, defining better just what that value of freedom of speech is that we ought to be supporting (and what it isn’t); who, besides public sector sovereignties have the obligation to support it (and how); and whether anyone or any agency has any kind of duty to protect freedom of speech not only as a negative right, but as a positive right as well.
So far, we are speaking in moral and not legal terms and will largely continue to do so, although toward the end we will be in position to comment on what our moral legislative obligations may be as well. See full document.
Brian Skelly has been teaching Philosophy locally for more than 30 years, with an academic background in Anthropology as well. He has been running the University of Hartford Philosophy Club since 2001, which now meets live and online on a weekly basis.
His publications include Introduction to Philosophy - Themes for Classroom and Reflection, Third Edition, and Logic Between the Lines - Making Philosophical Sense of Logic and Logical Sense of Philosophy, Cognella, First Edition.
He resides in Springfield, MA, with his wife, Sau-Ping. They have two adult children, Teresa and Jerome.
The University of Hartford Philosophy Club has an informal, jovial atmosphere. It is a place where students, professors, and people from the community at large meet as peers. Sometimes presentations are given, followed by discussion. Other times, topics are hashed out by the whole group.
Presenters may be students, professors, or people from the community. Anyone can offer to present a topic. The mode of presentation may be as formal or informal as the presenter chooses.
Come and go as you wish. Bring friends. Suggest topics and activities. Take over the club! It belongs to you! Just show up! - Brian Skelly bskelly@hartford.edu | 413.273.2273