ABSTRACT
The "freedom of speech" historically has invited considerable attention from professional philosophers and philosophically oriented lawyers. Several reasons are proffered for special philosophical popularity enjoyed by theories of "freedom of speech". One reason is that philosophers have had considerable influence on the lawyers and judges who have fashioned the constitutional doctrines of freedom of speech. Frederick Schauer begins his search for Free Speech Principle by clarifying the form that such a principle must take. Then, in what may be his most valuable contribution to free speech theory, Schauer proceeds to canvass all of the major theories that have been offered to justify and delimit a Free Speech Principle. Schauer's canvass of other free speech theories may be divided into three parts. First, he critiques theories that view freedom of speech primarily as a socially useful device. Next, he critiques a variety of "individualistic" theories. Finally, he concludes his survey with a discussion of the disutility of governmental suppression of speech.
