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Humans have become a successful species mostly due to innovation. And if we believe innovation is key to survival in a hostile universe, then the right to offend is necessary.
Why?
Because much progress has stemmed from challenging orthodoxy and questioning the status quo.
1/n
Why?
Because much progress has stemmed from challenging orthodoxy and questioning the status quo.
1/n
Take away the right to offend, and we will curtail innovation.
Freedom of expression constraints don't just curtail offence. They also curtail creativity and the ability to bring new ideas into the world.
2/n
Freedom of expression constraints don't just curtail offence. They also curtail creativity and the ability to bring new ideas into the world.
2/n
A world without offence will be a world filled with people who will build on existing innovations, but won't create fundamental breakthroughs.
Just look at history and consider how many scientific and technological breakthroughs came from autocratic or theocratic societies.
3/n
Just look at history and consider how many scientific and technological breakthroughs came from autocratic or theocratic societies.
3/n
The example of Galileo's ideas going against Church doctrine and the suffering he endured are but one example of how shutting down offence, perceived or real, can prevent humanity from progressing.
4/n
4/n
Of course the right to offend creates unhappiness especially when misused, so societies need to decide how best to balance the two.
For me, I'd draw the line at incitement to violence. Beyond that, where do we draw the line before regressing down a slippery slope?
5/n
For me, I'd draw the line at incitement to violence. Beyond that, where do we draw the line before regressing down a slippery slope?
5/n
