A Theory of Freedom of Expression: T. Skanlon about «The Principle of Mill»

Abstract

Article is devoted consideration of substantive provisions of work of English philosopher T. Skanlon «The theory of a freedom of expression». The Freedom of expression in works of many philosophers is considered as the major social and existential category (A. Maslou, J.S. Mill and others). The Freedom of expression appears also as the major characteristic of a modern information society. However important both in socially-philosophical, and in the legal plan there is a question on possibility of restriction of a freedom of expression. Following philosophical theories, probably to consider a freedom of speech as a special case of a freedom of expression. A main point – whether displays of a freedom of speech should have legal status unlimited «protected certifi cates». Further it is necessary to be defi ned with the criteria, allowing to limit self-expression possibility in aspect of differentiation of «word» and «action», and also «maintenance» an