Title: Speech and the problem of harm
Abstract: This paper examines the question of whether speech can cause or constitute harm. Drawing on J.L. Austin and Rae Langton's respective accounts of authority, this paper offers a normative criterion with which to assess contested speech acts. I argue that the harm caused or constituted by speech is located in the authority of the speaker. The criteria developed is then applied to a number of difficult cases in order to demonstrate how it yields the right result.
Other speakers this term include David Neil (UOW), Maureen O'Malley (Sydney/Exeter), Rosalyn Diprose (UNSW), and Nicolas Bullot (Macquarie/MACCS).
Note that we've changed our seminar times to Wednesdays at 4:30, in the usual location - 19.1003. All are welcome to join us.
