Per NCERT, why is freedom of expression considered FUNDAMENTAL to a democratic society — even when the speech is unpopular?
AA democracy requires open public reasoning, dissent, and the testing of ideas; silencing unpopular speech weakens collective judgement
BBecause the state should never restrict any speech, even when it incites violence
CBecause freedom of expression has no link to democratic functioning
DBecause only the majority view should be expressed
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. A democracy requires open public reasoning, dissent, and the testing of ideas; silencing unpopular speech weakens collective judgement
NCERT's defence of free expression rests on its role in democratic deliberation — echoing Mill's marketplace-of-ideas argument. The other options misstate the chapter.
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