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Free speech drives conflicts about who speaks, but who is heard is rarely considered. As digital media push deeper into our lives, free speech involves not only limits, but seemingly limitless communication, transforming what is at stake on tech platforms and in political protests, in universities and media debate.
What Is Free Speech For? examines the gap between abstract discussions of free speech and communication in democracies with abundant speech but very little listening. It shows how free speech is used and abused today and why it is essential to human flourishing.
‘In an age in which we have so many ways to make our words public, yet so many people are still rendered silent, What is Free Speech For? answers this critical question with rigor and wisdom. It is disingenuous to proclaim a right to free speech without understanding who that right serves and how easily it is abused. Step by step, Gavan Titley expertly guides the reader through this political and philosophical minefield. An excellent book.'
Angela Saini, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
‘A brilliant book that highlights the unequal distribution of speech rights in contemporary capitalism. Elegantly written and packed with incisive examples, Gavan Titley places the issue of power right at the heart of free speech debates.'
Des Freedman, Goldsmiths, University of London
‘If you are wondering what all the fuss with free speech is about, and more importantly what free speech actually is, Gavan Titley’s beautifully written and always insightful book is required reading.'
Nicholas Mirzoeff, New York University
‘Gavan Titley offers an incisive guide to debates about “free speech" as a concept, but more fundamentally, the turbulent intersections between speech, power and freedom – past, present and future.'
Natalie Koch, Syracuse University
‘This is the book that I’ve been waiting to recommend to my students on this issue; it provides a clear, historically grounded and gentle discussion of the importance of boundaries to all speech if we want a world that is fair and livable.'
Shakuntala Banaji, London School of Economics and Political Science
“Titley offers a sophisticated and sharply written approach to the ‘crisis’ of free speech. His emphasis on the need for more listening is very welcome.”
Nick Couldry, London School of Economics and Political Science
“What Is Free Speech For? moves beyond the familiar question of who is free to speak, to examine who gets heard, whose speech carries authority, and who is recognised as a legitimate participant in public life. Gavan Titley offers a compelling account of the inequalities that structure our public conversations, and a vital reflection on what meaningful freedom of speech requires from a democracy.”
Rokhaya Diallo, journalist, author and activist
1. Crises
2. Free / Speech
3. Speakers
4. Democracy
5. Media
6. Publics