Censorship

Real World Example

During the Enlightenment and the American Revolution, censorship was used by authorities to control and limit the spread of ideas that challenged their power, such as calls for freedom, democracy, and scientific reasoning. Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire and Rousseau fought against censorship to promote free thought and expression, which were crucial in fueling revolutionary ideas. The importance of combating censorship during this period was to allow new ideas to spread, ultimately leading to political and social changes, including the American Revolution. Today, censorship still matters because it can limit access to important information, affecting how people understand the world and make decisions. For example, if a government blocks certain websites or books, people may not get the full picture on important issues like climate change or human rights, which can impact their ability to make informed choices.