I thought the following article might be of interest.
Freedom of speech
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Interesting Article About Freedom Of Speech At Universities
by James Phillips -
Number of replies: 4
In reply to James Phillips
Re: Interesting Article About Freedom Of Speech At Universities
by Dr S Bhatia -
I did not read it fully as it didn't appear VERY intersting to me. But I'd like to make a comment especially in light of the fact that this forum had to be moved and moderated recently.
When we were taught fundamental rights as kids, our teachers used to describe fundamental duties in the same breath. My moral science teacher used to repeat ad nauseum, that if you do not fulfill your fundamental duties don't talk about your rights either.(Concept of fundamental rights and duties varies from culture to culture, of course)
What I am surprised about is that when people become so vocal about freedom of speech they never mention what responsibility and duty accompanies this golden freedom. They want a no holds barred discussions but is that what was meant by freedom of speech?
Even if your idea of responsibility and duty differs from mine, it'd be worthwhile to know exactly what one thinks about it. When you say freedom of speech what responsibility, what onus are you ready to shoulder for executing that freedom and to ensure that this freedom lives on.
Most people want anarchic discussions and freedom of speech simply means 'no one should curtail MY freedom of speaking my mind'...while all the time, I was taught, freedom of any sort is about your culture, your country and the way you want your kids to grow.
I don't know if anyone wishes to differ(everyone has a right to differ) but humanity was all about controlled behaviour, compassion and intelligent use of resources. Since when did we start reverting towards animal behaviour where every wolf howls at will?
When we were taught fundamental rights as kids, our teachers used to describe fundamental duties in the same breath. My moral science teacher used to repeat ad nauseum, that if you do not fulfill your fundamental duties don't talk about your rights either.(Concept of fundamental rights and duties varies from culture to culture, of course)
What I am surprised about is that when people become so vocal about freedom of speech they never mention what responsibility and duty accompanies this golden freedom. They want a no holds barred discussions but is that what was meant by freedom of speech?
Even if your idea of responsibility and duty differs from mine, it'd be worthwhile to know exactly what one thinks about it. When you say freedom of speech what responsibility, what onus are you ready to shoulder for executing that freedom and to ensure that this freedom lives on.
Most people want anarchic discussions and freedom of speech simply means 'no one should curtail MY freedom of speaking my mind'...while all the time, I was taught, freedom of any sort is about your culture, your country and the way you want your kids to grow.
I don't know if anyone wishes to differ(everyone has a right to differ) but humanity was all about controlled behaviour, compassion and intelligent use of resources. Since when did we start reverting towards animal behaviour where every wolf howls at will?
In reply to Dr S Bhatia
Re: Interesting Article About Freedom Of Speech At Universities
by Frances Bell -
Dear S Bhatia,
I was slightly puzzled (given my new role in Moodle lounge) by your reference to the movement and moderation of this forum that implies this was some sort of punishment. Another interpretation could be of community development - that a thread was temporarily removed and Moodle.org was reconfigured to promote freedom of speech whilst taking responsibility in responding to those who wanted to be able to opt in (and out) more easily to discussions that did not interest them.
All societies and individuals within societies struggle with the tensions between freedom and responsibility. Maybe I haven't been paying attention but I haven't seen what might be called 'animal' or uncontrolled behaviour. The main contributors in the thread that was temporarily closed really did engage in dialogue and I know that some think slightly differently after this dialogue - me for one.
If I could use your post as an example, you have the right to express your views and you certainly have not 'deceived, defamed or harassed' anyone in what you say. However, I also have the right to point out that your post seems to read alot into a very short post, given that you say you have not fully read the linked article. I don't know, but I suspect given a previous exchange we had, that my reaction may be down to a misunderstanding (me trying to interpret what you say). Call me an optimist but I think that over time I (and perhaps you) will learn to communicate better in this cross-cultural space.
In reply to Frances Bell
Re: Interesting Article About Freedom Of Speech At Universities
by Dr S Bhatia -
to Reply your points
Moving or moderation was not considered as punishment by me, for I was one of the few who favored this and was spanked amply for it.No regrets though.
Animal behaviour? you meant when I said each wolf howls at its will? It was a simile and I am surprised you correlated it with 'that' thread. It was not referring to that thread at all. It was a referencel to general social anarchy in the name of freedom.
I too feel that we all need to communicate more 'explicitly', though whether I would condescend to tell a fellow Moodler to 'learn to communicate better', I am not sure.
.......anyway. It seems since you have a new role to play, you have started playing it immediately.....
...and no, I don't read too much into anything. God was kind while making my grey cells and consequently I have been endowed with just enough perspicacity to survive along nicely. Even otherwise, that post was not very enlightening and, lastly, this thread has nothing to with Art's thread. Moderation of it was appreciable and even desirable, as far as my view goes. I never favour unrestricted expression in this kindda forum which I feel are for special purposes. Of course, no one else needs to agree with me. This is my freedom of speech too.
Moving or moderation was not considered as punishment by me, for I was one of the few who favored this and was spanked amply for it.No regrets though.
Animal behaviour? you meant when I said each wolf howls at its will? It was a simile and I am surprised you correlated it with 'that' thread. It was not referring to that thread at all. It was a referencel to general social anarchy in the name of freedom.
I too feel that we all need to communicate more 'explicitly', though whether I would condescend to tell a fellow Moodler to 'learn to communicate better', I am not sure.
...and no, I don't read too much into anything. God was kind while making my grey cells and consequently I have been endowed with just enough perspicacity to survive along nicely. Even otherwise, that post was not very enlightening and, lastly, this thread has nothing to with Art's thread. Moderation of it was appreciable and even desirable, as far as my view goes. I never favour unrestricted expression in this kindda forum which I feel are for special purposes. Of course, no one else needs to agree with me. This is my freedom of speech too.
In reply to Dr S Bhatia
Re: Interesting Article About Freedom Of Speech At Universities
by Frances Bell -
I certainly didn't mean to condescend to you, apologies if that's how it seemed - I was just trying to open up a discussion on how we all understand each other but perhaps my role as facilitator means that I need to step back in such matters lest it seems like a heavy hand of 'moderation'.... sigh 