Free Conscience and Free Speech: An Introduction

In the West, people can mostly develop and hold their own beliefs and express them freely. It is rare that they fear for their safety just for speaking their minds. These liberties, known as Freedom of Conscience and Freedom of Speech, were part of the foundation that helped develop modern societies as we know them. Where did these ideas originate, and how have they evolved over time? 

Welcome to Lib​er​tar​i​an​ism​.org’s Learning Hub: An Introduction to Free Conscience and Free Speech

Definition

Freedom of Conscience is the right to hold one’s own religious and philosophical beliefs without fear of persecution. In the West, it was developed by the Stoics and further refined by Christian thinkers. They believed in the sanctity of an “inner self,” capable of finding truth through “right reason.” Free from external coercion, this inner self could discern the principles of Natural Law. You can explore this more in a previous Learning Hub video on Natural Law. 

Free Speech is the right to express ideas or sentiments without censorship or repercussions, especially threats of violence or intimidation. 

These two interconnected ideas of freedom, while widely appreciated in the West, have historically been under threat. The struggle to establish and protect these rights stretches over the past two thousand years.

Context

In the 5th century BC, the Greek city-​state of Athens established one of the first democratic states in history. Athenians believed democracy would not survive without “isegoria”, the right to speak freely in assemblies, even when the ideas expressed were unpopular. In other words, Athenian leaders considered open debate necessary. Though many were excluded from full participation, this principle helped develop Freedom of Speech as a necessary condition for a healthy democracy. 

The Roman Republic imitated Athens’ tradition. The statesman and philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero understood that one important aspect of liberty consisted in the ability to speak one’s mind without fear. According to the Roman ideal of “libertas”, a life without arbitrary domination, the state cannot silence citizens for criticizing its government. With the fall of the empire, these classical ideas were lost for centuries. 

While some figures, like Martin Luther and John Calvin, made efforts to challenge religious orthodoxy, freedom of conscience and free speech were widely suppressed for generations across Europe.

John Milton

After centuries of illiberal governments and constant war, in 1644, John Milton wrote “Areopagitica,” one of the greatest defenses of free speech and conscience that would influence a positive change. Surrounded by the religious conflict and censorship of the Puritan Revolution, Milton wrote: “Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties.” 

According to Milton, without Freedom of Conscience and Speech, there would be no confrontation with error, which is essential to get to any truth. Milton was also wary of the abuse of power, and warned that no man could possibly be trusted to regulate human discourse. Our ability to reason, he argued, is what gives us freedom to choose, which in turn makes us morally responsible. To “know” truth through coercion, he stated, was without merit. 

Cato’s Letters

Until the 18th century, discussions about Freedom of Conscience and Speech were centered mostly around religious, not political concerns. This changed when John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon published a series of letters criticizing the British state, known as “Cato’s Letters.” 

Throughout their letters, they argued that these freedoms were natural rights –rights inherent to human nature– and the role of the government should be to protect them. Without free speech, those in charge will silence dissent and abuse power. If liberty is to survive, we must be able to criticize our government. 

These letters, widely read by American Colonists, became the cornerstone of revolutionary political thought and helped frame free speech as an essential right in a free republic. Founding Fathers such as Benjamin Franklin and John Adams referenced them throughout their writings, and we can see its influence in later legislation.

Influence in the American Founding

For example, in 1789, American Founders drafted a series of amendments to the Constitution, the first of which reflected the importance of freedom of conscience and expression: “Congress shall make no law” that prohibits the free exercise of religion, speech, press or assembly. By making it a priority, the Founders made it clear that no free society can exist without the protection of Free Conscience and Free Speech.

Summary

In conclusion, Freedom of Conscience is the right to hold one’s own beliefs, while respect for Free Speech recognizes our right to express those beliefs freely, without restrictions or fear of repercussions. Without them, modern societies as we know them would not exist; tyranny and coercion would be the norm. 

Do you think Freedom of Conscience and Speech are being threatened today? What are the consequences of eroding these rights?

We invite you to read through our resources for answers to these questions and much more at Lib​er​tar​i​an​ism​.org, and if you like this video, please don’t forget to comment, share, and subscribe to our YouTube channel!