I am a twenty-five year old man living in Great Britain. I am particularly interested in political and philosophical issues - although I do not limit myself to these only. My political views are generally extremely socially liberal, and economically left-wing. I am an atheist and am very interested in the debate over religion's place in politics - my view being, perhaps predictably, that it shouldn't have one. I am just coming to the end of my MA in Political Theory, and have a 2:1 in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from University College, Oxford. However, in this forum I am trying to take a less dryly academic approach to the issues; to express my personal opinions. I would love to hear any comments on my articles.

Politics, News & Issues > Political & Economic Theory Should the media have freedom of speech?

5 of 104

A number of people have written that freedom of speech is something granted to the media; a grant which requires the media to reciprocate by using this freedom responsibly. Implied in this line of thought is the idea that if it is not used responsibly, then freedom of speech can be withdrawn. Whether or not it is desirable for governments to have this power, the question in practice centers on what is considered to be "responsible" behaviour. I wish here to make the case that responsible behaviour is not, as is often assumed, the limiting of what is said, but the fullest use of that freedo...

More..