Utility and Hate Speech (Ann Speaking)
		Comment				MAIN PATH: Dee
							Dee

I think that I can make my position clearer and get rid of any sense that it is internally inconsistent.

In ethical theory, I'm a utilitarian. I think that as a society we should adopt those rules that will maximize human welfare in the long term. A liberal policy on free expression can be justified on the ground that it helps to maximize welfare.

Now, as far as hate speech or racist speech is concerned, I don't think any of you would deny that an enormous amount of pain and suffering is caused (and has been caused) by racism. And racist language is one of the major vehicles for expressing racist views and attitudes. Therefore, if we refine our policy on free speech to prohibit racist speech, we will increase welfare in the long term by reducing the evils caused by racism. In this way, my overall view that utility justifies a liberal policy is consistent with my support for the speech code.

It's important to keep in mind that while freedom of expression is a very important value, it is not the only important value. If we are to maximize welfare, we have to balance a number of values. Balancing may sometimes involve modest restrictions on speech.

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