International Comparative Approaches to Free Speech and Open Inquiry (FSOI)

This book explores the erosion of free speech and open inquiry (FSOI) in the Anglophone world, citing university clerisies and state apparatuses as contributors. It argues that this has narrowed the Overton window and impeded scientific research, and includes scholars from various disciplines with diverse approaches.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate controversies surrounding free speech and open inquiry (FSOI) in diverse regions of the Anglophone world. The authors assert that over the past decade, there has been a significant decline in FSOI, aided and abetted by university clerics and state apparatuses. These groups' policing of language and adherence to cancel culture, according to the authors, have narrowed the Overton window to the point where it has revived the push for blasphemy laws within liberal democracies and hindered certain avenues of scientific research. While most books on this subject focus on the American constitutional context of the First Amendment, this book takes a broader perspective, examining free speech in the context of other Anglo countries. Moreover, it features scholars from various disciplines, each bringing their unique ideological perspectives and disciplinary approaches, thereby showcasing a rich diversity of concerns and methodologies.

The authors argue that the erosion of FSOI has been facilitated by university clerics who have become increasingly influential in shaping public discourse. They claim that these clerics often promote a narrow interpretation of free speech, prioritizing the protection of religious and moral values over the broader principles of open inquiry and intellectual diversity. The authors further suggest that state apparatuses have also played a role in suppressing FSOI, particularly in countries where political stability is at risk or where certain groups are marginalized or oppressed.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the impact of cancel culture on FSOI. The authors argue that cancel culture, characterized by the widespread suppression of individuals or ideas deemed offensive or harmful, has created a climate of fear and self-censorship that undermines the principles of free speech. They note that cancel culture has led to the marginalization of scholars and researchers who engage in controversial or unpopular research, stifling the exchange of ideas and inhibiting the progress of knowledge.

The book also examines the historical and cultural contexts in which FSOI has flourished and faced challenges. The authors highlight the role of liberal democracies in promoting FSOI as a fundamental human right, while also acknowledging the historical struggles and ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities and individuals who have sought to exercise their right to free speech. They explore the ways in which different societies have responded to challenges to FSOI, including the development of laws and institutions to protect free speech, as well as the emergence of alternative forms of expression and communication in response to censorship and repression.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the controversies surrounding free speech and open inquiry in the Anglophone world. The authors argue that the past decade has witnessed a significant decline in FSOI, aided and abetted by university clerics and state apparatuses. They highlight the impact of cancel culture on FSOI, emphasizing the need for a broader understanding of free speech that encompasses the principles of open inquiry, intellectual diversity, and the protection of marginalized voices. The book also provides a rich historical and cultural context for understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with FSOI, and offers valuable insights into the strategies and tactics employed by individuals and communities to promote and defend their right to free speech.

Weight: 575g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031123610
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022