“I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” While Voltaire apparently did not say exactly that (the phrase seems to have come from a biographer), it is still a perfect description of the mindset of a rational human. Of course people will disagree, but … Continue reading “Campus Cancel Culture–Pernicious and Widespread”
The academy seems built for public controversy because professors are encouraged to question ideas and popular beliefs. It shouldn’t be surprising that academic outrage has a long history. In the past, scholars could find themselves in trouble, like Galileo, who defended Copernican astronomy and then proceeded to attack Pope Urban VIII, a position so unpopular … Continue reading “The Sociology of the Academic Outrage Mob”
Universities in the United States do not have a monopoly on intolerant and disruptive students. Canada has them too, as shown by a recent incident at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. The school had arranged for a panel discussion on the subject of free speech and political correctness in Canada. Four speakers were invited and … Continue reading “Another Professor Shouted Down—This Time Over Pronouns”