Some Consequentialists Have Argued That Speech Critical of an Identity

question 4

Multiple Choice

Some consequentialists have argued that speech critical of an identity group or speech that upsets people in such a group is in fact a form of violence. They contend such violent speech is

• A) definitely harmful, and on those grounds should be banned.
• B) possibly harmful, but possible harm is irrelevant to whether it should be banned.
• C) not harmful in the right way, and should not be banned.
• D) harmful, but not enough to outweigh the benefits of this kind of speech, so it should not be banned.

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Definitions:

Stable Conformation

A molecular structure that is in a state of minimum energy and resists change.

Quaternary Carbon

A carbon atom bonded to four different groups, distinguishing it as a center of chirality in certain organic molecules.

Tertiary Carbon

A carbon atom bonded to three other carbon atoms.

Secondary Carbon

A carbon atom that is attached to two other carbon atoms in an organic molecule.