Freedom of Speech: Rights and Responsibilities

The book deals with the freedom of speech. The main themes are as follows: free speech and press in a democratic society, contradictions between freedom and democracy, controversies of political correctness, principle of autonomy, tension between freedom and equality, and technocratic liberation in a political society. The book’s focus is on freedom of speech and what content can place it in jeopardy. The sources, discussions and limitations of free speech, the relationship between ideology, freedom of speech in the media, and public issues are analyzed. From historical point of view, the citizens of more or less democratic societies assume freedom of speech as a basic right to challenge dictatorships, totalitarianisms and authority of any kind. Freedom of speech cannot be understood without the fundamental principles of democratic society, including a tolerance of others, their right to express various and unique opinions, open to challenge by others, and requiring mutual respect. Three domains for social responsibility concerning freedom of speech are addressed: practical, ecological and creative.