The Universal Right of Free Speech: A Bridge to Modernity and Progress
For a right to be considered universal, it should be beneficial to all humans, regardless of religion, race, politics, gender, family, and in social, psychological, and economic terms. It must be accepted by a very large majority, at least 90% of the world's population. However, this is often a challenging notion, given the varying understanding and interpretation of rights among different groups. In this article, we explore the idea of free speech as a universal right, its implications, and how it contributes to the advancement of society.
Understanding the Scope of Rights
It is questionable whether any rights theorist has truly demonstrated the existence of certain rights. The basis cited in the US Declaration of Independence, which states that certain rights are self-evident, is often challenged by those who do not find it self-evident. To assert that a right is universal, a group of people must assert that they or the entire humanity have certain rights, and this assertion must be taken seriously.
A key document in this context is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states in Article 19 that "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. This right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."
Role of the Social Contract
The role of government is to undertake tasks that individuals cannot. This is a sacred social contract between people with common values and goals. Consider the example of building a bridge. Individuals cannot build a bridge alone, as it requires pooled resources and labor. The social contract allows for the collective benefit of everyone involved.
No one has a natural right to the bridge; it was built through a social contract. Similarly, the idea of natural or inalienable rights, such as the rights to think, defend life and property, love, experience joy, and pursue happiness, are part of the social contract that cannot be taken away because they do not impact others who signed the social contract unless the person is a criminal or oppressor.
The Importance of Free Speech
Free speech is a form of inalienable right that is critical for the advancement of society. We think in words, and control of speech is control of thought. Dissenting views can either lead to better societal outcomes or reinforce the social contract, benefiting everyone involved.
Consider the analogy of a bridge. Once the bridge is built, it must be maintained and potentially improved over time to serve more people and facilitate further advancements. Similarly, free speech allows for the continuous improvement and expansion of society. Critical to this is ensuring that people are free to think and propose ideas for the future, even if those ideas are innovative or disruptive.
Modern Advancements and the Power of Free Thought
The miracles of modernity, such as military, airports, highways, shipping lanes, communications satellites, telephone service, electricity, water supply, and factories, are all possible due to the freedom of thought and the negotiation of inalienable freedoms. These advancements have transformed societies, creating wealth, health, and progress.
Just as a single free thinker may build a factory that serves hundreds of people for generations, allowing them to access goods and services they did not produce themselves, so too does free speech enable the exchange of ideas that drive modern progress.
Conclusion
Free speech is not just a right but a cornerstone of societal progress. It allows for the exploration of new ideas, the enhancement of existing social contracts, and the continuous improvement of societies. Whether it offends or not, it is essential for the advancement of humanity.
Let us embrace the power of free speech and work together to build a brighter future for all.