Free Speech and Experimentality

Robert Mark Simpson (University College London)

Why do liberal societies value free speech so highly? Political philosopher Robert Simpson (UCL) argues that one ethical foundation of free speech is the ideal of experimentality: there is value in people testing boundaries and defying established norms. Drawing on the cultural politics of popular music, Simpson explores both the promise of experimentality and the question of whether norm-breaking really deserves the esteem we often give it.

Each year, TU Delft hosts the Van Hasselt Lecture, which gives a stage to leading thinkers on topics of "ethics, peace and justice in our technological age", and brings the university community and the wider Delft public together for an evening of stimulating ideas. The lecture commemorates Frans van Hasselt, a Delft student who publicly protested the dismissal of Jewish professors at the university in November 1940, and who was murdered in Buchenwald concentration camp two years later.

The lecture is jointly organised by the Department of Values, Technology and Innovation at TU Delft and Studium Generale TU Delft. It is in English and admission is free, but registration via Theater de Veste is required.