Freedom of Speech and the Phenomenon of Propaganda Cover Image

Wolność słowa a zjawisko propagandy
Freedom of Speech and the Phenomenon of Propaganda

Author(s): Justyna Miklaszewska
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Philosophy
Published by: Instytut Studiów Politycznych PAN
Keywords: freedom of speech; propaganda; totalitarianism; democracy; liberalism

Summary/Abstract: In modern liberal democratic societies, freedom of speech is one of the fundamental rights of an individual guaranteed by the constitution. It is also the foundation of a democratic state. This right is sometimes abused for political purposes and demagogic propaganda, in both totalitarian systems and democracies, which adversely affects the stability of a state. Propaganda mechanisms negatively influence the sphere of community values and concepts which change their meanings through manipulation. The author examines the language of demagogic propaganda and concludes that it disrupts the communication process in society. These destructive tendencies are opposed under the political culture of a democratic society, thanks to legal regulations protecting freedom from manipulation.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 18
  • Page Range: 172-187
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Polish