Kindly Inquisitors: The New Attacks on Free Thought

by Jonathan Rauch (Author)

11 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-0226705767

ISBN-10: 0226705765

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Tracing attacks on free speech from Plato's Republic to America's campuses and newsrooms, Jonathan Rauch provides an engaging and provocative attack on those who would limit free thought by restricting free speech. Rauch explores how the system for producing knowledge works in a liberal society, and why it has now become the object of a powerful ideological attack. Moving beyond the First Amendment, he defends the morality, rather than the legality, of an intellectual regime that relies on unfettered and often hurtful criticism. Kindly Inquisitors is a refreshing and vibrant essay, casting a provocative light on the raging debates over political correctness and multiculturalism.

"Fiercely argued. . . . What sets his study apart is his attempt to situate recent developments in a long-range historical perspective and to defend the system of free intellectual inquiry as a socially productive method of channeling prejudice."—Michiko Kakutani, New York Times

"Like no other, this book restates the core of our freedom and demonstrates how great, and disregarded, the peril to that freedom has become."—Joseph Coates, Chicago Tribune

"The philosophical defense of free speech and free thought that seems to have been forgotten. . . . A powerful argument."—Diane Ravitch, Wall Street Journal

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jonathan Rauch is a senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution, a contributing editor of the Atlantic and National Journal, and the author of six books, including Government’s End and Gay Marriage: Why It Is Good for Gays, Good for Straights, and Good for America.

Product details

Paperback: 187 pages
Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (April 1, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0226705765
ISBN-13: 978-0226705767
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
Customer Reviews: 11 customer ratings
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,672 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #4008 in Social Sciences (Books)
- #29 in Civil Rights
- #377 in Civil Rights & Liberties (Books)

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Jeff Thomas

Terrific Primer on Civility

Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2017

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I really love this book. Rauch was reference in the documentary Dying Laughing, and I was intrigued by the role of a Hoover Institute Scholar in regards to Humor. Rauch is everything but predictable: a gay, atheist, conservatively Liberal thinker who stands up for our most basic Constitutional Ideals. The material is a little dated (early 90's), and you need to remember those cases to get the full effect, but the larger, global, editorial issues are are there for the taking. I use this in my college classroom, and the kids are enthralled. He is all things to all people, and I cannot recommend him enough!

2 people found this helpful

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A general reader

The best book I've read in the past 10 years

Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2010

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This is a short and profound book. I've read it four times and it gets better every time. In fact it is the only book that I have ever read four times. It has changed my views on free speech for ever.

What's the core argument in the book? Well, one cannot explain it in a short review, which is always a good sign (if one could, what would be the point of reading an entire book?). But in a nutshell, it is a defense of unlimited free speech. I say *unlimited* because while most people see value in free speech, most people would also argue that there have to be some limits (hate speech, for example, or denying the holocaust). This makes intuitive sense, and this was also my point of view - before reading this book. The book has convinced me that the power of free speech lies EXACTLY in the ability to express opposing views, no matter what they are. (This is a gross oversimplification of the book - you really have to read it).

This is not a political book - it is a philosophical book, but one that doesn't require any previous formal philosophical education. Anyone can, and I think everyone should read it.

16 people found this helpful

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camera_obscura

Amazing read for a anyone interested in freedom of speech in America.

Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2013

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The author eloquently and convincingly advocates for unfettered and unrestricted free speech, regardless of its potential to offend, preferring to allow the machine of social opinion dictate what is accepted as truth and what is cast aside as fringe nonsense, rather than allowing government and legislation decide what can be said or believed.

One person found this helpful

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youravgjoe

Compelling argument for free speech for all

Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2018

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Powerfully written account of the importantance of free speech. Details how instrumental free speech has been to wocial progress.

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Michelle Sciumbato

this is the most important writing that americans should be ...

Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2017

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this is the most important writing that americans should be reading - the dialogue is even more significant now than when originally published.

One person found this helpful

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Orlando Jack

Excellent Book!

Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2014

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Content is excellent, but printing is very light making it more difficult to read. Otherwise, a fine informational book. Thanks!

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Ashley

New!

Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2012

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I found this book at an extremely low value. The book was in perfect condition. I have not started reading it however, because my class barely started.
I recommend this seller!
Thank you

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Anthony R. Stevens

Stunning, compelling, and important

Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2002

This book is superb. A well-written, exhaustively researched treatise on the philosophy of "liberal science" and a look at the attacks made on that philosophy by (mostly) well-meaning advocates of inclusion, equality, and civil discourse.
I'm somewhat at a loss to try and describe how important I think this book is. I rarely comment on books I've ordered, but I feel that EVERY educated person should read this book and understand the reasons why an open, critical, unfettered exchange of ideas is of central importance to civilization and to the progress of human knowledge.
Read this book. You'll be glad you did.

12 people found this helpful

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