Courting controversy: Peter Singer on why we need to test our ideas in open debate

How do people discover if their beliefs are true or false? Philosopher Peter Singer, an emeritus professor of bioethics at Princeton University and co-editor of Journal of Controversial Ideas, argues that this can only happen through free debate of controversial issues. In this short six-minute video, Singer examines the consequences of censorship and explains why we need to get more comfortable debating uncomfortable questions.

Peter Singer, "Have a Controversial Idea? Good. Here's Why You Should Share It." BigThink, 20 October 2023.

 

1. In this video, Singer gives two examples (Rebecca Tuvel and Jeremy Bentham) to illustrate what happens when controversial ideas are suppressed. Pick one of these examples and explain how Singer uses that example as evidence to support his main argument. Do you think this is a good example for his argument? Why or why not?
   
2. So what? Who cares? According to Peter Singer, what happens when open debate about an issue is suppressed? What are the consequences to individual people, to society, and to the pursuit of knowledge and truth?
3. Many of the points in Singer’s argument focus on why faculty need to have spaces to openly debate ideas. Consider the perspective of students, especially students on your campus. What spaces exist to critically examine controversial issues? What policies, programs, or conditions support free and open debate of controversial ideas? What might prevent students from making an unpopular argument or raising a controversial question?
4. Some might argue against Singer’s argument and say that there should be limits on the kinds of questions or ideas made in academic spaces, like universities, college classrooms, or academic journals. What might these limits be? Compose your own response to Singer’s argument. Do you agree, disagree, or both? In your response, you can reference the points made in the ACLU’s open letter about student protests or PEN America’s Campus Free Speech Guide.

Comments

[jayleece campbell]

I agree with Rebecca Tuvel because, People should love the person they are with. If its a different gender then that should be okay. Other people will judge but like the phrase says "you can't judge a book by its cover". A lot of people will start out by being straight but then turns out that they want to be with the other gender more. I also agree with singers evidence. In Jeremy part, he said "Jeremy never publish the article until this century"> But people were already dating the same gender by then.

[Zaf]

Both examples are great if you give them a thought. Both are controversial, and if we as a society would give them a chance to actually think about them and not just follow what is being imposed, most of the barriers and oppositions would see their mistake. On the identity side, I believe everyone has a right to feel however they want to feel, but should not impose their thought on others; it will be the same problem that they were suffering, just changing sides. Also, acknowledge that even though they feel/ believe something, that doesn't make it true or real. Biological women will always be biological women; the same goes for men.