R: Reinstate an Index of Forbidden Books

The Index Librorum Prohibitorum was a list of books once forbidden by the authorities of the Roman Catholic church as they were dangerous to the faith or morals of the people. Although a relic of the past, it brings to light the question: is there any knowledge that should be forbidden? In a nation which prizes free speech and expression, are we entitled to read literature like the Anarchist Cookbook or Steal This Book?  Some may argue that censorship is a child of fear and only breeds ignorance, while others may believe it is prudent for societies to limit access to harmful knowledge. Freedom of expression has tangible consequences, occasionally physically dangerous ones. How many of those consequences should we accept?

Come this Thursday, November 29th at at 7:30 p.m. to the Berkeley Mendenhall Room for Resolved: Reinstate an Index of Forbidden Books. All are welcome!