Freedom of Speech and Human Dignity

Abstract

Abstract This chapter assesses how human dignity relates to freedom of speech as a fundamental right. Freedom of speech is among those rights that can be traced back to dignity. Indeed, it seems difficult to imagine human dignity without a person’s right to express ideas, beliefs, or interests, and to receive the expression of others and thus form opinions. This does not mean, however, that freedom of speech is connected to dignity in all its ramifications. Some limitations of the scope of free speech become problematic if freedom of speech is related to dignity. In its positive relation, dignity re-enforces freedom of speech. On the other hand, it may also occur that dignity limits freedom of speech. The chapter then looks at what happens if dignity enters into conflict with freedom of speech. The hardest cases of conflict between freedom of speech and dignity are probably hate speech and pornographic expression.