Miecklejohn's Theory Of Freedom Of Speech

For the majority of history, governments and societies obstructed free speech. However, since around the 18th century, countries have implemented freedom of speech in their laws. For example, the United States’ first amendment protects from the government interfering with freedom of speech. There are four theories that justify freedom of speech and expression: utility of truth, democratic self-government, individual self-realization, and mixed. Although these theories share some information and reasoning, they contrast each other through different ideas on how freedom of speech is justified. Personally, I believe the first three theories are too myopic and, therefore, the best theory in justifying free speech is the mixed theory. Still, there

Dr. Rosati likened the theory to a town meeting, with “people assembling to discuss and make decisions about matters of public interest”. For a society to function, the people within a society need to freely express every opinion to come to a conclusion. Although every opinion is essential, the discussion needs to be regulated as everyone sharing would be chaos. Miecklejohn believes that if free speech is restricted, wisdom is lost, and a self-governing community will fail. However, individual self-realization disputes Miecklejohn’s

For me, Emerson broadening of what justifies freedom of speech kick started my own opinion. I agree with his broad notions, as free speech’s complexity cannot be boiled down into one value. Freedom of speech does not only fulfill individual’s, but it also fulfills the society itself. Furthermore, free speech helps attain the truth. Without it, an entity can hinder someone or some group. For example, imagine the United States, with an already majority white government, banning hip-hop, a black musical genre that allows for expression. No longer on the airwaves would be the truth: black people are systematically oppressed. Continuing, free speech initiates participation from members of society and allows for anything between political movements to book clubs. For instance, the Black Panther Party was started to protect African Americans and unveil the truth--that America is racist--to the United States. Free speech allowed those Black Panthers to express themselves, albeit society did its best to deter them. All in all, free speech allows for the macro and micro levels of society to develop and progress through encouraging participation from all members of