Includes bibliographical references (pages 201-214) and index.
Contents:
Why censorship is a pre-condition of free speech -- Why hate speech cannot be defined -- Why freedom of speech is not an academic value -- Why the religion clause of the first amendment doesn't belong in the Constitution -- Why transparency is the mother of fake news -- Epilogue or What does it all mean?
Summary:
How does the First Amendment really work? Is it a principle or a value? What is hate speech and should it always be banned? Are we free to declare our religious beliefs in the public square? What role, if any, should companies like Facebook play in policing the exchange of thoughts, ideas, and opinions? With clarity and power, Stanley Fish, "America's most famous professor" (BookPage), explores these complex questions in The First. From the rise of fake news, to the role of tech companies in monitoring content (including the President's tweets), to Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protest, First Amendment controversies continue to dominate the news cycle. Across America, college campus administrators are being forced to balance free speech against demands for safe spaces and trigger warnings.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.