Setting fire to reason : the ethics of free speech / Jeffrey W. Howard.

Author/creator Howard, Jeffrey William, 1985- author.
Format Book
PublicationPrinceton : Princeton University Press, 2026.
Descriptionix, 328 pages ; 24 cm
Subjects
Freedom of speech--Moral and ethical aspects.

Contents Foundations -- The Ethics of Incitement -- The Right to Incite -- The Ethics of Online Content Moderation -- Speech Duties and Liability to Regulation -- Necessity and Counter-Speech -- Collateral Censorship -- Conclusion.
Abstract The debate over free speech is often marked by two extremes: in one corner, those who think that the right to free speech is nearly absolute; in the other, those who defend sweeping prohibitions on harmful speech. In Setting Fire to Reason, Jeffrey Howard rejects both extremes. He argues that free speech is among our most important moral rights, but—like all rights—it has limits, determined by moral duties we owe to each other. Yet exactly how these moral limits should be translated into law is complex, depending on the particular speech regulation at issue and the risks of government abuse. Using incitement as his central example of harmful speech, Howard sets out an integrated framework of speakers’ rights and duties, determining when and why speech restrictions can be justified. In developing this original theory, Howard pinpoints the ethical duties of social media platforms, assesses the role of counter-speech as a weapon against harmful communications, and explores how the law and morality of free speech can and should diverge. -- Provided by publisher.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
Issued in other formebook version : 9780691260464
ISBN9780691260358 hardback
ISBN0691260354
ISBNPDF ebook
Standard identifier# CIPO000377086

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Joyner New Books JC591 .H68 2026 ✔ Available Want This?