Leiden University Student Repository

Blijden, Judith (2016)

Dignity and Free Speech

Master thesis | Philosophy (MA) (120 EC)

In this thesis I defend the recent ruling of the Hoge Raad that determined that free speech can be restricted when statements are contrary to democratic principles. Equal respect for dignity is one of those important democratic principles, therefore I focus on the principle dignity and its relation to freedom of speech. Dignity commands recognition respect which means recognizing the equal authority and accountability of people. I argue that statements without any free speech interests can be restricted. Statements that contain valuable and harmful aspects can be restricted when the harm upstages the value. This is when the statement harms the essence of dignity and negates the relational aspect of freedom of speech.

dignity

free speech

recognition

Author

Blijden, Judith

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Philosophy of Law

Supervisors

Verbeek, Bruno

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en