Limiting the Freedom of Expression: The Keegstra Case

Abstract

The Keegstra case raises a dilemma for liberals who favour freedom of expression. Keegstra cannot appeal to the "honest heretic" defence nor t conception of the "marketplace of ideas." Keegstra's error has been wrongly diagnosed as seeking to convince. But this reaction neglects the spirit in whi teaching is conducted and students' potential for critical reflection. The Keegs case shows that philosophers of education have underestimated the threat pose by a sincere but misguided teacher. Classroom discussions of "theories" of th sort to which Keegstra subscribes must be limited.