Freedom of expression is still to be conquered

Le Regard Libre N° 83 - Enzo Santacroce

Irony file

Freedom of expression is inextricably linked to the critical spirit. Seductive, it is nonetheless a force of opposition that pits its defenders against sometimes extreme dangers. Many Western philosophers have experienced this first-hand, banished, excommunicated or even condemned to death for defying the authorities by taking disturbing positions. Why is the free use of thought, and by extension speech, so perilous? We take a look at Socrates, the symbol of a critical spirit sacrificed on the altar of conformism, to see just how fragile freedom of expression still is today.

Freedom of expression is the manifestation of an individual's capacity for reflection. Typically, those who make use of it are able to question the ways and