Encomium

Abstract

This chapter discusses the value of the freedom of mind that we would lose if our thoughts were subject to moral restrictions. By internalizing restrictions on thought, we not only lose access to various forms of knowledge but also relinquish authorship of our beliefs and cut ourselves off from important aspects of our personalities. More important yet, we flatten out our experience in ways that make us far less interesting both to ourselves and others. The subjective realm is both a retreat in a hostile world and an endlessly expansive playground, and we needlessly surrender both advantages by letting morality in.