Abstract
This chapter takes issue with C.E. Baker’s stance that the Free Speech Principle should protect even the most harmful and vile expression because such protection would promote individual self-government, enhance personal autonomy, and promote critical thinking. It is argued that a balance needs to be struck between these goods and the impact of the speech in question on its target group. The protection of free speech cannot be offered in isolation from its wider consequences, not only those that affect the speaker but also those that affect those whom the speaker intended to influence. Furthermore, the content of the speech should be evaluated on its face value. Incitement and grave offenses, morally on a par with physical harm, should be excluded from the Free Speech Principle.
Gratitude is expressed to Tim Scanlon, Wayne Sumner, Bhikhu Parekh, Steve Newman, and Eric Heinze for their most constructive comments on earlier drafts.
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Cohen-Almagor, R. (2021). Tolerating Racism and Hate Speech: A Critique of C.E. Baker’s “Almost” Absolutism. In: Sardoč, M. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Toleration. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03227-2_8-1
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