Artistic expression and human rights

Freedom of expression is of fundamental importance to democracy and human existence. Without it, the free exchange of opinions and ideas and the ability to challenge conventional viewpoints and perspectives would not be possible. Society as we know it could not exist

Giles Bayliss

This article is relevant to AQA Paper 3B, OCR Component 3, WJEC A-level Units 3 and 4 and Eduqas Components 2 and 3.

In terms of politics, the ability to debate and criticise is an essential precondition to a democratic society and vital in ensuring accountability. However, the significance of freedom of expression extends beyond the political sphere and encompasses a wide range of human activity. The philosopher John Stuart Mill recognised it as essential in the search for truth. The ability to offer alternative explanations and question what others say is therefore the lifeblood of a free society.