Steven Pinker defends free speech

[Mequa]

Free speech is very important.

I do accept a value pluralist system however, where the ideal of free speech needs to be balanced against proscribing harmful speech. The obvious example is yelling "fire" in a crowded theatre when there is not a fire. Other examples though, such as promoting hatred, discrimination, and whipping up prejudices, show that there are limits to the acceptable free expression of speech, as this kind of speech clearly causes harm to groups and individuals who neither need nor deserve it.

On the other hand, I think free thought and critical thinking are extremely important, in particular pertaining to social issues. Empathy and compassion are also important however, in my view [but should not be considered when deciding whether speech should be allowed].

Any thoughts?

See edits above.

Critical thinking makes the real difference as I see it. Dogmatism breeds bigotry.

Scapegoating "despised" demographics is a method of absolving oneself of personal accountability, and demagogues can do a lot of harm there using such methods. Their aim is not to get people to think.

Again, critical thought, in addition to encouraging freethought as opposed to a herd mentality, seem to make all the difference here.