Dimensions of Free Speech, 1st ed. 2021 An Exploration of a New Theoretical Framework Philosophy and Politics - Critical Explorations Series, Vol. 19

This book offers a new theoretical framework for free speech by critically analyzing the major justifications for free speech. 

Unlike most theories that justify free speech on single grounds, this book argues for a justification; namely the double grounded principled approach; that combines and revises the arguments of equal autonomy and democratic participation at the same time. It claims that a revised and critical blending of these two justifications can serve free speech to be grounded on strong principled arguments. The book has both a theoretical and practical focus: first, it discusses the conceptual circumstances of free speech and major theoretical justifications for free speech and then, it applies the developed theoretical framework to the cases of academic freedom, media freedom and hate speech separately. 

This volume will appeal to readers who are interested in general free speech theories as well as readers who look for an alternative view on specific topics such as academic freedom, media freedom and hate speech.

Chapter 1. Sceptic and Absolutist Views on Free Speech.- Chapter 2. Setting the Conceptual Ground.- Chapter 3. How to Justify Free Speech.- Chapter 4. Academic Freedom and Free Speech.- Chapter 5. Media Freedom, Free Speech and Regulation of Online Speech.- Chapter 6. Hate Speech and the Limits of Free Speech.

Dr. Devrim Kabasakal Badamchi earned her bachelor’s degree from Ankara University in 2000, her master’s degree from Middle East Technical University in 2002 and her PhD from Luiss Guido Carli University in Italy in 2009. She held teaching and research positions in Turkey and England. Since July 2020, she is a lecturer at the Department of Political Science, Leiden University. Her research falls within the field of contemporary political theory with a focus on liberalism. She specializes in topics such as free speech, hate speech, toleration, multiculturalism and pluralism. Dr. Badamchi has published articles in various peer reviewed journals including Turkish Studies and Philosophy and Social Criticism.

Discusses academic freedom, media freedom and hate speech from a new theoretical perspective

Brings two very different cases- the UK and Turkey- together to reflect on academic freedom and media freedom

Combines philosophical reflection and practical case analysis on the much debated issue of free speech