Professor Klemens Kappel

Freedom of Expression, Diversity and Truth

Biography

Klemens Kappel is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Copenhagen. His main research areas are social epistemology and related areas in political philosophy. He also has additional research interests in medical ethics, bioethics, ethical theory, and metaethics, with more than 100 publications in these areas.

Lecture abstract

Why should we value freedom of expression? One reason dating back at least to the British philosopher JS Mill is that freedom of expressions allows a variety of views to be expressed, and this diversity of opinions in the public sphere promotes truth or knowledge. Being exposed to a variety of different views makes enables us better to appreciate the true views, or the best arguments. In the long run, truth prevails. Freedom of speech, as has been said, secures a market place of ideas.

In my talk, I examine the idea that diversity benefits deliberation in detail. There are several importantly different forms of diversity that might be relevant for promoting truth or knowledge through deliberation. Also, there is a variety of more distinct mechanisms by which diversity is claimed to promote truth or knowledge. In my talk, I will characterise several of these and critically discuss them. Moreover, I will relate this to the justification of free speech, and to the general norms governing how we should speak to one another. 

The event will be followed by a wine reception.