Professor Mansfield discusses the value of free speech, understood as foundational to the right of free speech. Beyond the question of how far the right of free speech extends, we need to consider why free speech is valuable. Is some free speech more valuable than others? Drawing on his seminal works on Machiavelli and Tocqueville, political philosophy, and contemporary politics, Dr. Mansfield makes the case for encouraging a culture of free inquiry both in higher education and in terms of our political discourse in general.
Harvey C. Mansfield is the William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor of Government at Harvard.
