Society

Freedom of expression is still to be conquered

DOSSIER IRONIE, Enzo Santacroce | 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.

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