Claims and evidence

Claims and evidence

1. Watch three short videos in class on the issue of free speech on campus.

2. Carefully read Jacobson's article "Freedom of Speech Under Assault on Campus."

Jacobson, Daniel.  "Freedom of Speech Under Assault on Campus."  Policy Analysis 796 (2016): 1-12, retried from https://object.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/pubs/pdf/pa796.pdf

3. Using the format of your choice, layout Jacobson's reasoning in terms of thesis, argument, claim, reasoning, and evidence.

4. Host a colloquium on the issue of free speech.  Discuss Jacobson's argument, and additional prompts can be generated from the questions below. Post your group's discussion minutes to the phpBB.

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What is freedom of speech?

How does freedom of speech improve a society?

Should there be some limits on what we are free to say?

Should people be free to spread hatred, incite violence and ridicule others?

Should you be free to tell an enemy your country’s national secrets?

Does freedom of speech include spreading lies about people?

Young people are vulnerable and need to be protected, so their impressionable minds aren't corrupted by free speech.  Agree?

How can democracy be possible without freedom to share ideas?

Some countries forbid school teachers from introducing subjects like CENSORED in their classes. Is this denying free speech?

Are there things you’d love to talk or write about that you dare not?

Have you ever been censored?

Does the Internet open up the possibilities of totally free speech and freedom of expression?

Many countries censor websites to control what their citizens can and cannot see. Is this dangerous?

While freedom of speech may be legally protected in some countries, are there still dangers to speaking freely? Do you have to be careful what you say?

The philosopher Plato taught that the masses of people aren't responsible enough to be able to handle free speech, only the elite philosopher-kings can be trusted with free speech.  Is Plato right?

The esoteric wisdom must be kept secret from the masses of people who aren't ready for the truth.  The great mysteries shouldn't be allowed to be spoken of freely.  Agree?