Instigator / Pro
1500
rating
0
debates
0.0%
won
Topic
#6059

Can censorship ever be morally justified, or is it inherently a violation of freedom

Status
Debating

Waiting for the next argument from the instigator.

Round will be automatically forfeited in:

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Parameters
Publication date
Last updated date
Type
Standard
Number of rounds
3
Time for argument
Two days
Max argument characters
3,000
Voting period
One week
Point system
Multiple criterions
Voting system
Open
Contender / Con
1389
rating
414
debates
44.57%
won
Description

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, widespread access to information, and increasing global unrest, the role of censorship has become a matter of urgent and complex debate. This discussion seeks to examine whether censorship, when employed by governing bodies or institutions, is a justified measure for ensuring societal stability, national security, and public well-being. The proposition maintains that censorship, far from being a temporary or situational tool, may serve as a necessary and enduring mechanism for guiding public discourse, limiting harm, and fostering a more cohesive and harmonious society. The opposition, however, contends that censorship fundamentally undermines individual liberties, suppresses dissent, and sets a dangerous precedent for authoritarian control.

Round 1
Pro
#1
Justification. A word used extremely vaguely in some cases but here the oxford dictionary definition of the word will be used.
"the action of showing something to be right or reasonable"
To first show the act of censorship as something that is right or reasonable, you must look at the whole purpose of it and examine what it has done in the past and what it can do in the future for society. 
The idea behind the government or authoritarian figures using censorship is to remove information from their dominions for the greater good. Now some people may question who has the right to decide what is "too much for the public" but this was ultimately their choice when they elected this government to run their country, placing their trust in this person that they will do whatever is best and needed for the country to continue surviving in the future.
As for being a violation of freedom, you have to really analyze that word to understand what it is actually. Freedom is a state of mind that's definition has been greatly changed throughout history, and without knowing how the future will be 100%, how do we know that in 5, 10 or even 20 years censorship wont become the new norm and be labeled as a violation of freedom by anyone.
In addition to the future, and the definition changing as history moves forward, censorship is already morally justified around the world right now, and although people may not come to realize that right now, they must understand that ignorance is bliss, and that the majority of people want to be protected from information that they think that they want, but will only realize that they didn't want it when they finally got it, and at that point it is already way to late to turn back.

Con
#2
"Can censorship ever be morally justified, or is it inherently a violation of freedom"

I'm on the side of it is inherently a violation of freedom. In nature it would be a disruption or misuse of the right or freedom given to those to speak.

In the United States at least, you have the right or freedom of speech.

Now the opposing side is on the side of censorship being morally justified as ever can it be.

But in order to allow censorship, you have to allow the freedom of speech to speak against what you're censoring.

So I get the concern or understand the question from the individuals in the comments.

The topic is poorly formulated for controversy. Each side of it goes hand and hand not contradicting the other.

You didn't offer anything in strong rejection to disprove a violation of freedom because you have to allow the violation in order to submit to the freedom of censorships by speech and or actions.
Round 2
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Round 3
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