The Tyranny of Opinion

1. Conformity pressures threaten individual liberty and societal progress

We are defining the boundaries of normality by tearing apart the people outside of it.

Conformity stifles progress. Pressures to conform come from various sources, including government, employers, religious groups, and social media. These pressures often lead to self-censorship, preference falsification, and the suppression of innovative ideas. The result is a society that becomes increasingly bland, risk-averse, and intellectually stagnant.

Consequences of conformity:

• Impoverished public debate
• Suppression of potentially valuable ideas
• Accumulating compromises with honesty and truth
• Culture of wariness and fear in social interactions

To counter these effects, we must cultivate a society that values individuality, originality, and the free expression of diverse viewpoints. This requires resisting the urge to punish nonconformity and instead embracing a more tolerant approach to differences in thought and behavior.

2. Mill's harm principle: A guide for balancing freedom and social responsibility

The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.

Balancing liberty and responsibility. John Stuart Mill's harm principle provides a framework for determining when it's appropriate to restrict individual freedom. This principle states that the only justification for limiting someone's liberty is to prevent harm to others. It excludes paternalistic or moralistic reasons for restricting freedom.

Key aspects of the harm principle:

• Focuses on preventing direct, substantial harm to others
• Rejects restrictions based solely on offense or moral disapproval
• Acknowledges the value of diverse lifestyles and viewpoints
• Requires careful consideration of what constitutes "harm"

While the harm principle is not absolute and may require some qualifications, it remains a powerful guide for preserving individual liberty while maintaining social order. It encourages a society that is more tolerant of diversity and more resistant to the tyranny of the majority.

3. Free speech protects more than just government censorship

We are always reading between the lines. We ask whether the people addressing us share our values, and whether we could trust them with power.

Beyond government censorship. Free speech is not just about protection from government interference; it also involves resisting non-governmental pressures to conform. These pressures can come from employers, social media mobs, academic institutions, and various other sources. True freedom of expression requires a culture that values and protects diverse viewpoints.

Threats to free speech from non-governmental sources:

• Employer control over employees' speech and behavior
• Social media shaming and cancel culture
• Academic orthodoxies and self-censorship
• Media bias and selective reporting

To preserve genuine freedom of expression, we must be vigilant against all forms of censorship and pressure to conform, not just those coming from the government. This requires cultivating a society that is more tolerant of dissent and more willing to engage with challenging ideas.

4. The internet amplifies both liberation and oppression

We're creating a culture where people feel constantly surveilled, where people are afraid to be themselves.

Double-edged sword of technology. The internet has revolutionized communication and access to information, offering unprecedented opportunities for free expression and collaboration. However, it has also created new avenues for oppression, surveillance, and mob justice. The anonymity and reach of the internet can amplify both the best and worst aspects of human behavior.

Challenges posed by the internet:

• Cyber-cesspools: Sites dedicated to harassment and humiliation
• Viral shaming campaigns and reputational damage
• Echo chambers and group polarization
• Increased surveillance and privacy invasion

To harness the liberating potential of the internet while mitigating its oppressive tendencies, we need to develop new ethical frameworks and technological solutions. This includes promoting digital literacy, supporting platforms that encourage thoughtful discourse, and developing better tools for privacy protection and content moderation.

5. Identity politics and call-out culture undermine liberal values

The most powerful way to attack a book is to demonise its author, to turn him into a creature of base motives and evil intentions.

Erosion of liberal principles. The rise of identity politics and call-out culture has led to a shift away from traditional liberal values such as individual liberty, free inquiry, and open debate. Instead, there's an increasing focus on group identities and a tendency to silence or punish those who express unpopular or controversial views.

Consequences of identity politics and call-out culture:

• Chilling effect on free speech and open debate
• Prioritization of group identities over individual rights
• Tendency to demonize opponents rather than engage with their ideas
• Erosion of due process and presumption of innocence

To preserve liberal values, we must resist the temptation to silence dissenting voices and instead cultivate a culture of open dialogue and intellectual humility. This involves recognizing the complexity of social issues and being willing to engage with ideas we find challenging or uncomfortable.

6. Propaganda and outrage culture poison public discourse

We end up with impoverished debate and possibly the implementation of flawed policies.

Toxic information environment. The proliferation of propaganda and the rise of outrage culture have severely degraded the quality of public discourse. These phenomena exploit our cognitive biases and emotional responses, leading to polarization, misinformation, and knee-jerk reactions rather than thoughtful engagement with complex issues.

Elements of propaganda and outrage culture:

• Emotional manipulation and simplification of complex issues
• Demonization of opponents and creation of in-group/out-group dynamics
• Use of atrocity stories and moral panics to bypass rational thought
• Exploitation of social media algorithms to amplify outrage

To combat these trends, we need to develop better critical thinking skills and media literacy. This includes learning to recognize propaganda techniques, seeking out diverse sources of information, and cultivating the ability to engage with ideas we disagree with in a constructive manner.

7. Defending the text: The importance of fair and nuanced cultural criticism

Defend the text.

Preserving intellectual integrity. In an age of outrage and superficial criticism, it's crucial to defend the integrity of cultural works and engage in fair, nuanced analysis. This means resisting the urge to demonize authors or artists for expressing controversial ideas and instead focusing on understanding and evaluating their work in its proper context.

Principles for fair cultural criticism:

• Engage with the actual content of the work, not just its perceived intentions
• Consider the historical and cultural context in which the work was created
• Recognize the complexity and ambiguity inherent in many cultural works
• Avoid simplistic moralistic judgments or ideological purity tests

By promoting more thoughtful and nuanced cultural criticism, we can create a richer intellectual environment that encourages creativity, diversity of thought, and genuine engagement with challenging ideas.

8. Navigating the challenges of populism while preserving liberal ideals

We often speak of our right-wing and conservative opponents as authoritarians – and yes, many of them are – but what about the behaviour of too many self-styled liberals?

Balancing principles and pragmatism. The rise of populism presents a significant challenge to liberal ideals, but responding effectively requires a nuanced approach that doesn't compromise core principles. This involves understanding the legitimate grievances that fuel populist movements while also resisting authoritarian tendencies and defending liberal institutions.

Strategies for preserving liberalism in the face of populism:

• Engage with the concerns of those who feel left behind by globalization and economic change
• Defend liberal institutions and norms while acknowledging their imperfections
• Build coalitions across ideological lines to defend core liberal values
• Promote civic education and critical thinking to build resilience against demagoguery

By adapting to the challenges of populism without abandoning liberal principles, we can work towards a more inclusive and stable democratic society that addresses legitimate concerns while preserving essential freedoms.

Last updated: August 8, 2024