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society itself resulting from the limitation of freedom in-
herent in such restrictions.In these circumstances, we thought it would be helpful
to clarify the issues by making an intellectual investigation
of the limits, if any, of freedom of expression. The Fund
for the Republic made a grant to the National Book
Committee for this purpose, which enabled us to establish
an exploratory commission of three distinguished scholars
to conduct the study: Richard McKeon, professor of phi-
losophy at the University of Chicago, Robert K. Merton,
professor of sociology at Columbia University, and Walter
Gellhorn, professor of law at Columbia Law School.We asked this group "to outline the problem, to explore
whatever questions seem relevant from the viewpoints of
philosophy, sociology, and law, and to recommend in its
report such further studies as it deems likely to be profit-
able." We emphasized our wish that the group should
"raise its own questions and formulate its own terms";
however, we suggested that the study might include:
1. An investigation into the two broad views of freedom
generally held by Americans today: on the one hand,
freedom as meaning complete liberalism (e.g., Holmes);
on the other, freedom as involving a commitment to certain
values and fixed beliefs (e.g., some church groups). Put
another way: no limitation on thought or expression, as
against a priori acceptance of certain underlying principles,
which are not admitted to debate. How do these views
conflict, what are the consequences for public policy of
this conflict, and can it be reconciled?
2. An inquiry, on related lines, into our views on the
upbringing of the young. Should freedom of exploration of
the printed word be total, or should the community exercise
responsibility for some control, including specifically censor-
ship?

-vi-

Questia, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning. www.questia.com

Publication Information: Book Title: The Freedom to Read: Perspective and Program. Contributors: Richard McKeon - author, Robert K. Merton - author, Walter Gellhorn - author. Place of Publication: New York. Publication Year: 1957. Page Number: vi.
    
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