Colloquy with John Durham Peters at Yale University on freedom of speech

Abstract

Challenges to free speech theory are very much present in public conversation around the world, inviting vigorous scholarly debate and making big headlines in the newspapers of some countries, such as the United States. This conversation with John D. Peters, from Yale University, tackles the main questions around the philosophy of freedom of expression. Even though the legal perspective underlies the entire discussion, the angle offered is that of a Media Studies scholar, with an exceptional background in history and philosophy of communication. The interview is organized in three sections. The first one touches upon some principles of the liberal tradition regarding freedom of speech. In the second section, Professor Peters gives some insights into recent cases that have challenged free speech principles: Charlie Hebdo’s cartoons, the riots at Berkeley where the free speech movement started, the ‘Safe Spaces’ controversy on U.S. Campuses, and Silicon Valley’s content moderation. In the final section, he elaborates on the future of the free speech principle.