SPEECH THEORIES

Eight Values of Free Expression

1. Marketplace of Ideas (aka Discovery of Truth) — see John Milton, Areopagitica
     This value was first suggested by Milton, who first said that when truth and falsehood are allowed to freely grapple, truth will win out. And the grappling makes the truth even stronger. His argument against requiring a license to print/publish.

2. Participation in Self-Government — see Alexander Meiklejohn, Free Speech and Its Relation to Self-Government
     It has been suggested that citizens will not make wise and informed choices in elections if candidates and proponents of certain policies are restricted in their ability to communicate positions. We want an informed electorate involved in debate.
    
3. Stable Change ( aka Safety Valve) — see Benedict Spinoza, Tractatus-Theologico Politicus 
     It has been suggested that a society in which angry and alienated citizens are allowed to speak their mind, or "vent," will be more stable, as people will be less likely to resort to violence.  It has also been pointed out that allowing the alienated and discontented to speak freely enables government to better monitor potentially dangerous groups who would otherwise act more clandestinely. Ultimately, it is in the governments own self-interest to allow such venting.
    
4. Individual Self-Fulfillment ( aka Self-Actualization) — see C. Edwin Baker, Human Liberty and Freedom of Speech
     Free speech enables individuals to express themselves and thereby create their own identity — and, in the process perhaps, find kindred spirits. Freedom of speech thus becomes an aspect of human dignity, human agency and autonomy.
    
5. Check on Governmental Power (aka Watchdog Role) — see Vince Blasi, Checking Function of the First Amendment
     As Watergate, Irangate, Clintongate and all the other "gates" demonstrate, freedom of the press enables citizens to learn about abuses of power — and then do something about the abuse at the ballot box if they feel so moved. We, along with the press, are part of the check-and-balance system to restrains government power and abuse of power.
    
6. Promote Tolerance — see Lee Bollinger, The Tolerant Society: Freedom of Speech and Extremist Speech
     It has been argued that freedom of speech, especially through our  practice of extending protection to speech that we find hateful or personally upsetting, teaches us to become more tolerant in other aspects of life — and that a more tolerant society is a better society. Somewhat counter-intuitive, the First Amendment protects hate speech because society learns valuable lessons from, including why it is hateful and worthy of condemnation. It’s how we spread norms about acceptable behavior.
    
7. Promote Innovation — see Jack Balkin, Living Originalism
     A community in which free speech is valued and protected is likely to be a more energized, creative, interesting society as its citizens actively fulfill themselves in many diverse and interesting ways.
    
8. Protect Dissent — see Steve Shiffrin, Dissent, Injustice and the Meanings of America
     Our system is not supposed to be one of mob rule. The First Amendment protects minority views, no matter how unpopular. You have a strongly protected right to disagree with the government — and everyone else. In fact, it is your patriotic duty to criticize the government.