Discussion Night: Freedom of Expression

Tonight’s discussion will concern the value of freedom of expression. Let’s consider some or all of the following topics:

In General: What is freedom of expression anyway? In the abstract, is it a right or a value? Is it an inextricable facet of being a human being? And what is expression more generally? Is it the conveying of information in the form of words, images or actions, or something else?

Why do we value freedom of expression? Is freedom of expression generally necessary for one to be a complete human being? Are there any intuitive limits to freedom of expression? Should you be able to express whatever you want? What happens if freedom of expression is curtailed?

In Current Domestic Culture: What are the important points to discuss about freedom of expression in light of our current “cancel culture?” Does freedom of expression as a societal value mean that we should accept people whatever they say, even if it is hostile or cruel? Or does it mean more narrowly that we should be willing to tolerate or entertain opposing viewpoints? For example, should we exclude someone who says “You are an ugly blockhead,” but include another who says “Women shouldn’t be allowed to vote?”

Legally Speaking: As a legal matter, should there be any limit on freedom of expression? If so, what and why? What about hate speech? What about blasphemy? What about obscenity? What about public lies?
In Business or in Private Enterprise: What are the advantages or disadvantages of free expression in a given organization, such as a club, a company, a private agency, etc?

In Purely Personal Matters: In a friend group or a family, what is the value of the concept of freedom of expression? Do the benefits of open exchange and tolerance of opposing views lead to more or less cohesiveness? Do they leave a group vulnerable to dissolution or antisocial behavior? Can we contextualize this in terms of family discussions regarding vaccines and autism? If one family member expresses a view antithetical to your view, or to science, is that person ostracized or humored? If so, to what end?

Let's challenge each other and seek truth through disagreement.
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This event is at the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. (The Delian Club is not, however, a religious organization.) Please come in through the doors on Williams Street, the ones which directly face the opposing side of the street. Go up the ramp and turn to the right; we are in the Mayflower Room, which is next to the kitchenette.

As with all of the Delian Club's events, this is for autistic adults only.

Go to the door on William Street, the one half way down the church that faces the church directly. It has to the right of it a very small flashing green and red light.