Speech Regulation and the Marketplace of Ideas | Knowledge in a Social World (2024)

Knowledge in a Social World

Alvin I. Goldman

Published:

1999

Online ISBN:

9780191597527

Print ISBN:

9780198238201

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Knowledge in a Social World

Alvin I. Goldman

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Goldman, Alvin I., 'Speech Regulation and the Marketplace of Ideas', Knowledge in a Social World (Oxford, 1999; online edn, Oxford Academic, 1 Nov. 2003), https://doi.org/10.1093/0198238207.003.0007, accessed 27 July 2024.

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Abstract

A classical rationale for the freedom of speech, traceable to John Milton and John Stuart Mill, is the argument that truth will emerge in an open marketplace of ideas. Given an economic twist, it is claimed that the competitive market for speech will maximize truth just as competitive markets in other goods are best in economic terms. If government does not interfere with this market, knowledge will be maximized. Is economic theory sustaining this argument? No, this chapter traces the reasons why no such simple formula for the (non‐) regulation of speech is implied by economic theory, especially when market failures are taken into account.

Keywords: free speech, marketplace of ideas, John Stuart Mill, John Milton, speech regulation

Subject

Epistemology Metaphysics

Collection: Oxford Scholarship Online

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Speech Regulation and the Marketplace of Ideas | Knowledge in a Social World (2024)

FAQs

How does the marketplace of ideas help us understand the importance of free speech? ›

The marketplace of ideas holds that the truth will emerge from the competition of ideas in free, transparent public discourse and concludes that ideas and ideologies will be culled according to their superiority or inferiority and widespread acceptance among the population.

What is the concept of the marketplace of ideas? ›

A marketplace of ideas is a space where people can express their opinions freely without any government restrictions. This concept was first introduced by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes as a metaphor to explain the freedom of speech. The phrase "marketplace of ideas" was officially used in American caselaw in 1954.

What does Holmes mean by referring to the free trade in ideas? ›

good desired is better reached by free trade in ideas-that the. best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted. in the competition of the market, and that truth is the only. ground upon which their wishes safely can be carried out.4.

What Supreme Court case talks about the marketplace of ideas? ›

One hundred years ago, Justice Holmes embraced the marketplace of ideas in his dissenting opinion in Abrams v. United States. The same year as this centennial anniversary, Justice Kennedy, one of the most ardent adherents to this theory, retired from the Supreme Court.

Why freedom of speech is important to the society? ›

Freedom of expression is necessary to discover truth and make social progress. Any great and lasting advance in society – from racial equality to the possibility of self-government – depends on the discovery of truth. And free expression is how we can test and learn the truth.

Why public speaking is an important element of free societies? ›

It is using public speaking skills (speeches and presentations) to advocate causes and bring positive change in society. The purpose is to educate, generate empathy, rally individuals and communities around critical causes, and promote activism. Promotion of an idea, concept, cause, or information.

Why is the marketplace of ideas good? ›

A free marketplace of ideas offers society the best system with which to provide citizens the right to speech and expression while correcting for those ideas that are false and even harmful.

What are the five core marketplace concepts? ›

We examine five core customer and marketplace concepts: (1) needs, wants, and demands; (2) market offerings (products, services, and experiences); (3) value and satisfaction; (4) exchanges and relationships; and (5) markets.

Why is the marketplace important? ›

Greater reach: Marketplaces have a large customer base, which means sellers can reach a larger audience than they would in their own online store. Cost reduction: as sellers share the costs of the platform and marketing with other companies, the total cost can be lower than operating an online store of their own.

What is the marketplace of ideas refers to? ›

The marketplace of ideas refers to the belief that the test of the truth or acceptance of ideas depends on their competition with one another and not on the opinion of a censor, whether one provided by the government or by some other authority.

What point is Holmes making about free speech and personal rights? ›

In his dissent, Holmes stated that the principle of free speech remained the same during war time as in peace time; he reiterated his belief that congressional restraints on speech were permissible only when speech constituted a “present danger of immediate evil or an intent to bring it about.”

What reveals about Holmes attitude towards free speech guarantees? ›

Articulating for the first time the “clear and present danger test,” Holmes concluded that the First Amendment does not protect speech that approaches creating a clear and present danger of a significant evil that Congress has power to prevent.

What is a synonym for marketplace of ideas? ›

10 other terms for marketplace for ideas. idea exchange. concept market. creative bazaar. innovation hub.

What is the marketplace of ideas on liberty? ›

Full Text. One often hears the expression "the marketplace of ideas" used in reference to John Stuart Mill's political theory in On Liberty. 1 This metaphor describes a situation in which people speak and exchange ideas freely, and it has a certain plausibility on two counts.

Which Supreme Court justice said that free speech is the marketplace of ideas in a free society? ›

This phrase was famously articulated by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. in his dissenting opinion in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Abrams v. United States.

Why is it important to determine the central idea of a speech? ›

A strong central idea shows that your speech is focused around a clear and concise topic and that you have a strong sense of what you want your audience to know and understand as a result of your speech.

What does free speech mean that anyone can share their ideas no matter what? ›

Freedom of speech is the right to articulate opinions and ideas without interference, retaliation or punishment from the government. The term “speech” is interpreted broadly and includes spoken and written words as well as symbolic speech (e.g., what a person wears, reads, performs, protests, and more).

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