Lucy’s Reviews > A Book Too Risky To Publish: Free Speech And Universities > Status Update

The endless examples of universities and colleges that intimidate & dismiss faculty over ideas is stunning. Controversial ideas from anywhere are targets, and (student) mob rule is allowed to dictate what is heard. I found a date error - which is unfortunate - as it makes me wonder about accuracy elsewhere. It wasn’t in 2006 that the TX legislature ruled that students could carry concealed handguns - it was 2016.

My take so far: Author James Flynn, as a social scientist & academic, brings up great points about poking holes in the (even unpopular) ideas of others. In a “free speech” society, such rebuttals should be done using the scientific method- not mob rule and violence. The one with unpopular ideas? If also an academic would consider logical rebuttals & modify accordingly.

Ch. 1 was mind bending, logical, & provocative. Flynn articulates an informed understanding of both liberal & conservative instincts using “hot button” issues as examples. His approach seems logical & objective, but I wonder if the rest of us would learn to stay as dispassionate in the face of provocation. It’s easy for an entitled white male to suggest that we try, so I will remain open minded & read on.