John Milton’s Areopagitica alludes to Isocrates’ oration to the Council of the Areopagus and works as a proficient response to the Licensing Order of 1643. In his objection to censorship, Milton creates an argument for freedom of speech in a non-reductionist manner. Historically, the topic of freedom of speech has included both discussions for and against increased freedom by either side of the argument. During the 17th century, the liberal side, which included Milton, argued for fewer restrictions concerning the printing industry. Milton argues the value of reading both literature of “good” content and “bad” content. In connection to his faith, Milton essentially states that censorship infringes on the free will that God gave his people. As the English government used religious law to justify censorship, Milton leaned toward the idea that differing opinions, religious and secular, can aid development within society. Milton builds his opinion’s credibility by connecting censorship to the Catholic faith. Though he appears to be tolerant of other religions in his argument for freedom of the press, it is important to note the exclusion of the Catholic church. Milton furthers his position in stating the impracticality of the notion, saying “there cannot be a more tedious and unpleasing journey-work” (Milton). As a large part of his reasoning stems from religious beliefs, it is shocking to see the way in which he values schisms and dissections as having “a vital role in the nation’s religious renewal” (Blasi). While licensing rules were halted with the abolition of the Star Chamber, Milton became famous for his writings, primarily his opinion on divorce, that were clearly against social norms and the previous laws surrounding the press.
John Milton’s Areopagitica alludes to Isocrates’ oration to the Council of the Areopagus and works as a proficient response to the Licensing Order of 1643. In his objection to censorship, Milton creates an argument for freedom of speech in a non-reductionist manner. Historically, the topic of freedom of speech has included both discussions for and against increased freedom by either side of the argument. During the 17th century, the liberal side, which included Milton, argued for fewer restrictions concerning the printing industry. Milton argues the value of reading both literature of “good” content and “bad” content. In connection to his faith, Milton essentially states that censorship infringes on the free will that God gave his people. As the English government used religious law to justify censorship, Milton leaned toward the idea that differing opinions, religious and secular, can aid development within society. Milton builds his opinion’s credibility by connecting censorship to the Catholic faith. Though he appears to be tolerant of other religions in his argument for freedom of the press, it is important to note the exclusion of the Catholic church. Milton furthers his position in stating the impracticality of the notion, saying “there cannot be a more tedious and unpleasing journey-work” (Milton). As a large part of his reasoning stems from religious beliefs, it is shocking to see the way in which he values schisms and dissections as having “a vital role in the nation’s religious renewal” (Blasi). While licensing rules were halted with the abolition of the Star Chamber, Milton became famous for his writings, primarily his opinion on divorce, that were clearly against social norms and the previous laws surrounding the press.
While I understand the reasoning for the inclusion of Areopagitica in this class, I disagree with the way this text was brought to our attention. This document focused on its connection to the First Amendment rather than its deep historical context as a “forbidden” work. John Milton qualifies as a “forbidden” author as his work was highly controversial in its time period. However, the lecture from Vincent Blasi is centered around its association with freedom of speech. This fails to fully address why Areopagitica is considered forbidden and its importance to this class.
Read Blasi’s interpretation of Milton’s Areopagitica here: https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=ylsop_papers