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  5. Subproject: Spinoza, freedom of speech and the common good

Moral Compass Project

How do we know what the Good is? Is there such a thing as a ‘moral compass’ that all people share? The needle of a compass points to the north pole, but you can't reach the pole with it. Can the Good also be seen as such a pole? As something that speaks to us 'from the outside,' inescapably? The Good appeals to us in a way that gives us direction and encourages us to take concrete action. But that does not imply we are able to fully know or do the Good.

Subproject: Spinoza, freedom of speech and the common good

Ethics and politics

This project focuses on a classic defender of freedom of speech, Benedict de Spinoza (1632-1677). Spinoza's defense has often been associated with an individualistic form of liberalism. This project instead brings to light that Spinoza's thinking has a robust, theologically grounded view of the shared good, or common good. Freedom of speech is essential to the development of self-made laws, which in turn contribute to the people living under such laws becoming freer and more rational. In the Ethics, Spinoza presents free, rational life as the quest to understand ourselves, other people and God. Spinoza's politics can be said to be aimed at realizing something of this ideal of the Ethics on a collective scale.

Reasonable and free debate

Spinoza believes that in a free state, governed by a moderate government, there will be a lively public debate about laws, policy, science and religion. As long as citizens engage in this debate politely and reasonably, they should be free to express their opinions. A good sovereign listens carefully to their input, but always has the last word on legal and political decisions. However, Spinoza advocates democracy - or at least forms of government with substantial democratic elements - so that (groups of) citizens will also be involved in sovereign decision-making.

Religious freedom

In religious matters, Spinoza advocates tolerance and the freedom to love God in our own way - whether in a more traditional religious or philosophical way. He sees intolerant religious factions as a threat to freedom and political stability, which is why the sovereign must also have the last word in religious matters. In doing so, the sovereign must allow believers as much freedom as is compatible with peace and order.

Freedom and public interest

This subproject first analyses how Spinoza's concept of freedom of speech (and the related concept of libertas philosophandi, the freedom to philosophize) is connected to his view of the common good. Our focus is on Spinoza's concept of the proper exercise of free speech as a civic virtue crucial to sustaining free, thriving societies.

Second, it examines whether Spinoza's perspective is helpful in moving beyond the impasses in current public discourse. An important insight in this context is that Spinoza's concept of free speech is linked to a relational concept of autonomy. That is, by exercising our right to free speech, we exercise our autonomy, but we can only truly realize our individual autonomy when our fellow citizens also develop their autonomy. For Spinoza, the development of freedom, rationality and human flourishing are essentially collective endeavours. This emphasis on the collective dimension of freedom and free speech represent an alternative to the individualistic premises that underlie current liberal visions of good coexistence.

Researchers

Further discussion?

Does this topic appeal to you and would you like to discuss it in a group, for example through a lecture? Then invite one of the researchers to your discussion group, organisation or church for talks, interviews, advice or other contributions. Some suggestions for topics: the contrast between views of free speech in liberal and republican visions of well-ordered societies; the way emotions play a role in polarization, and how Spinoza's views on this subject can help us understand this aspect of our shared lives.