Liberalism and Free Speech

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on Liberalism and Free Speech, including core beliefs, conditions for free speech, types of liberalism, and relevant case studies.

Liberalism

A political philosophy emphasizing limits on state power and its proxies, limits on majorities imposing on minorities, support for pluralism, support for basic constitutional freedoms, and limits on objectively harmful behavior.

Pluralism (in Liberalism)

The right of individuals to decide their own version of the 'good life', aiming for a win-win situation.

John Stuart Mill's Harm Principle

A principle that dictates behavior should be limited only when it is objectively harmful to others.

Substantive Free Speech

A concept of free speech requiring the liberty to communicate, audience comprehension of ideas, and a genuine exchange of ideas.

Liberty to Communicate

A necessary condition for substantive free speech, ensuring the freedom to express oneself.

Audience Comprehension of Ideas

A necessary condition for substantive free speech, ensuring the audience understands the communicated ideas.

Genuine Exchange of Ideas

A necessary condition for substantive free speech, promoting authentic dialogue.

Muscular Liberalism

One type of liberalism, noted in the lecture as having two main faults.

Multicultural Liberalism

One type of liberalism, noted in the lecture as having two main faults.

Jim Keegstra Case

In 1984, Jim Keegstra was charged with criminally promoting hatred against an identifiable group under Section 319 (2) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Section 319 (2) of the Criminal Code of Canada

States that anyone who wilfully promotes hatred against an identifiable group by communicating statements (other than in private conversation) is guilty of an indictable offense.

Canada (Human Rights Commission) v. Taylor (1990)

A 1990 case study related to limits on speech.

Canada (Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission) v. Whatcott (2013)

A 2013 case study related to limits on speech.

Hate Speech

A type of speech that is subject to limits, often legally restricted due to its promotion of hatred against specific groups.

Defamation

A type of speech that is subject to limits, involving false statements that harm another's reputation.