Summary Of The Indispensable Opposition

Walter Lippmann argues in his article “The Indispensable Opposition” that our opponent’s opinions are as necessary as our own opinions and that we must protect the freedom of opposition. Lippmann starts his article claiming that freedom of speech is often seen as a “noble ideal” instead of a “practical necessity” and is only tolerated by other men. According to Lippmann, protecting our opponents’ freedom of speech allows us to hear what they have to say and debate; in fact, the freedom of debate is a necessity since it improves our own opinions. The freedom of opposition for others is for our own need and not just their right.
To understand and protect our freedom of speech, Lippmann believes that we must know that this system allows us