What We Talk About When We Talk About Free Speech

Another day, another free speech debate. Harper’s Magazine published a July 8th open letter titled “A Letter on Justice and Open Debate,” signed by many famous and influential people. The argument in it is hardly new or particularly in depth, but it has kicked over the hornet’s nest (again), probably because it was signed by J. K. Rowling, who is embroiled in her own controversy. But the ideas in it are reasonably clear and well laid-out, so it provides a meaningful foil for those of us who find ourselves on the other side of the “free speech” debate.