Why Free Speech? (Ann Speaking)
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In the first place, there is a rough correlation between scientific progress and the degree of free discussion. Do you think it's an accident that countries like the United States and England have been scientific leaders and leaders in developing free expression? I think not. It is crucial to be able to publish and debate new scientific ideas if they are to be tested and adopted. In some countries where a church has controlled the schools, for example, that free expression has been absent. In the Soviet Union, when scientists were not allowed to teach certain theories (or required to teach others) there were disastrous consequences.

As far as democracy is concerned, I don't see how you can argue against the view that on the whole free expression is necessary to have a good public debate and allow the process to work as we hope it will. Again, it's no accident that countries like England the US have successful democracies and liberal policies on expression.

These examples don't constitute a scientific proof of what Fred said. I admit that. But they strongly suggest that free speech has the value he gave it. Further study would be needed to provide full support.

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