Opening Seminar 2025: Civilized Discussion – Freedom of Speech and Responsibility (watch recording)

Civilized discourse seems to be becoming increasingly rare. In politics and the media, uncivilized ways of speaking are gaining more and more ground. Does freedom of speech no longer entail responsibility?

The panel will explore what constitutes civilized discourse today and where it takes place. How can we create more space for civilized ways of discussing issues, and what role might art, culture, literature, and science play in this?

What role do art and science play in promoting freedom of speech? How do they influence public discourse? And how can we steer the conversation toward being civil, responsible, and constructive?

The topic was discussed by a professor of literature Sanna Karkulehto'sled by the director of public relations and corporate social responsibility at WSOY and a poet Jenni Haukio, author Juha Hurme and Senior Lecturer in Philosophy Olli-Pekka Moisio.

The opening seminar is being organized in collaboration with the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä, and Mediatalo Keskisuomalainen.