Extreme Speech and Democracy: Robert Talisse Explores the Limits of Free Expression

Extreme Speech and Democracy

by Robert B. Talisse

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3436 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	706 pages
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The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to free speech, but what happens when that speech becomes extreme or hateful? This is the question that philosopher Robert Talisse explores in his book Extreme Speech and Democracy.

Talisse argues that the right to free speech is not absolute and that it must be balanced against other important interests, such as public safety and equality. He argues that hate speech is a form of violence that can have a devastating impact on its targets, and that it is therefore not protected by the First Amendment.

However, Talisse also recognizes that the definition of hate speech is often contested and that it can be difficult to draw the line between protected and unprotected speech. He argues that a narrow definition of hate speech is necessary to protect the right to free speech, but that a narrow definition may not be sufficient to protect vulnerable groups from harm.

Talisse's book is a timely and important contribution to the debate over free speech and hate speech. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the relationship between democracy and free expression.

The First Amendment and Hate Speech

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution states that Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting its free exercise. It also protects freedom of speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the Government for redress of grievances.

The Supreme Court has held that the First Amendment protects hate speech, even if it is offensive or вызывает ненависть. In Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969),the Court held that speech may only be restricted if it is likely to incite "imminent lawless action." This means that the government cannot ban speech simply because it is offensive or hateful.

However, the Supreme Court has also held that hate speech may be subject to civil liability. In Hustler Magazine v. Falwell (1988),the Court held that a public figure cannot recover damages for emotional distress caused by a caricature that parodied him as a drunkard.

The Limits of Free Speech

While the First Amendment protects hate speech, it does not protect all speech. There are certain categories of speech that are not protected by the First Amendment, such as:

• Incitement to imminent lawless action
• Defamation
• Fraud
• Obscenity
• Child pornography

The government may also regulate speech in certain limited ways, such as by requiring broadcasters to obtain a license or by prohibiting the use of loudspeakers in residential areas.

The Role of Social Media

The rise of social media has amplified the problem of hate speech. Social media platforms provide a platform for people to share their views with a wide audience, and they can be used to spread hate speech and misinformation.

Social media companies have taken some steps to address the problem of hate speech, but they have been criticized for not ng enough. In 2018, the European Union passed a law that requires social media companies to remove hate speech from their platforms within 24 hours.

The Future of Free Speech

The debate over free speech and hate speech is likely to continue in the years to come. The rise of social media has made the problem of hate speech more visible, and it has also made it easier for people to spread hate speech.

It is important to remember that free speech is a fundamental right, but it is not absolute. Hate speech can be harmful, and it is important to find a way to balance the right to free speech with the need to protect vulnerable groups from harm.

Robert Talisse's book Extreme Speech and Democracy is a timely and important contribution to the debate over free speech and hate speech. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the relationship between democracy and free expression.

Extreme Speech and Democracy

by Robert B. Talisse

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3436 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	706 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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