Freedom of Speech, 1500-1850

This collection explores the historical context of the modern debate over freedom of speech, considering the impact of religious pluralism and concerns about hate speech. It examines government policies, the realization of freedom of speech, and canonical and non-canonical texts to argue that the period from 1500 to 1850 was distinct from the modern debates.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This comprehensive collection brings together a diverse array of historians, political theorists, and literary scholars to explore historical perspectives on the contemporary debate surrounding freedom of speech, particularly in the context of religious pluralism and concerns about hate speech. By integrating religion into the historical narrative of free speech, the book challenges the notion of a coherent tradition of absolutist justifications for free expression. Contributors examine the aims and effectiveness of government policies, the often contingent pathways through which freedom of speech became a reality, and a wide range of canonical and non-canonical texts in which contemporaries articulated their ideas and ideals.

Overall, the book argues that while the period from 1500 to 1850 witnessed significant changes in terms of ideas and practices, these were distinct from the contemporary debates surrounding freedom of speech. The collection offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between religion, politics, and free expression, shedding light on the historical roots and ongoing challenges of this vital issue.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526167064