Joins us for a discussion

led by Clare Pearson

from

The University of Chicago Graham School on,

Talking to the Perceived Enemy: A Discussion on the

Free Speech Arguments in Mill’s On Liberty

John Stuart Mill has made the strongest argument for strict freedom of speech, insisting that even on fundamental matters of right we harm ourselves and our own understanding when we simply censor anyone. Many aspects of his argument apply not just to government censorship but also to general attitudes towards listening to and engaging what we disagree with. While almost all Americans think of themselves as proponents of free speech, there is no doubt that we are seeing speech shut down in various forms on all sides today. In this discussion we’ll look at his core principles and the reasons he puts forward. We will then consider how well these arguments still apply today and whether anything about the modern situation—specifically the rise of manipulable forms of distant and anonymous speech via social media—impacts in any way parts of his argument. 

Clare Pearson did her graduate study with the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago, where she worked in the intersections of ethical philosophy and literature. She has taught at the University of Chicago, Christ College (the honors college of Valparaiso University), in the philosophy department at St Xavier University, and is also an Instructor in Philosophy and Humanities at Oakton College. She currently teaches in the Basic Program of Liberal Education for Adults at the University of Chicago Graham School, where she chaired the program from 2004 to 2009 and won the 2013 Graham School Award for Excellence in Teaching. While chair, she was also instrumental in developing the Asian Classics program, which is returning to the Graham School next year as a two-year alumni sequence as part of the Basic Program. She has published on Martin Heidegger and has given a variety of lectures and talks in Chicago over the last 25 years, including several at Kibbitznest.

Free event but reservations are strongly encouraged as space is limited. Reservations are limited to 4 people and the names and email addresses of all attendees MUST be included in the RSVP to confirm the reservation. To reserve your spot, please email info@kibbitznest.org

Photo Credit: John Stuart Mill, WikiMedia Commons, https://w.wiki/_gzfF

Source:: https://graham.uchicago.edu