What is the liberty of the press, and why is it safe in Britain?

1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)

Record ledger

• BELIEF (undated): David Hume believed that the liberty of the press was incompatible with the principles of government prevailing in earlier ages, which were characterized by strict control and suppression of dissent. He argued that such control was dangerous and led to the spread of faction and opposition, and that the eventual practice of toleration was a necessary and salutary development. "The liberty of the press was incompatible with such maxims and such principles of government as then prevailed, and was therefore quite unknown in that age." [1]
• BELIEF (undated): David Hume believed that the liberty of the press in Britain did not commence until 1694, and that prior to this, the press was heavily restrained by laws and authorities. He also believed that the king and his ministers doubted the salutary effects of such unlimited freedom, thinking that no books or writings would ever improve the general understanding of men enough to make it safe to grant such indulgence, which could easily be abused. (key quote above) [2]
• ACTION (undated): David Hume requested the restoration of a passage in his work that had been struck out due to his disgust with the 'Licentiousness of our odious Patriots.' He later decided to restore the words 'happy' in reference to the English Government, acknowledging its happiness despite its excessive liberty. This indicates his awareness of the liberty of the press and its potential for both critique and restoration. "I own that I was so disgusted with the Licentiousness of our odious Patriots, that I have struck out the words, and happy, in this new Edition; but as the English Government is certainly happy, though probably not calculated for Duration, by reason of its excessive Liberty, I believe it will be as well to restore them" [3]
• BELIEF (undated): David Hume believed that the liberty of the press is essential to the support of a mixed government and that it is safe in Britain because it allows the people to remain vigilant against the encroachments of the government, and because it employs the learning, wit, and genius of the nation on the side of freedom. He argues that the liberty of the press is so essential to the preservation of a free government that it may be claimed as the common right of mankind. [4]
• BELIEF (undated): David Hume believed that the liberty of the press in Britain is due to its mixed form of government, which is neither wholly monarchical nor wholly republican. He argued that this form of government makes it safe because it avoids the extremes of liberty and slavery, and because the balance prevents the government from becoming overly jealous or oppressive. (key quote above) [5]
• BELIEF (undated): David Hume argued that the liberty of the press is essential for the health of a free society and that it is safe in Britain because of the strength of its institutions and the general tolerance of its people. [6]
• ACTION (editor's note) (undated; editor's note, not his words): Nothing was done, and the freedom of the newspaper press was secured. "Nothing was done, and the freedom of the newspaper press was secured." [7]

What cuts against it

• ACTION (editor's note) (undated; editor's note, not his words): Nothing was done, and the freedom of the newspaper press was secured. This indicates that the liberty of the press was not always protected, and that there were instances where it was at risk. "Nothing was done, and the freedom of the newspaper press was secured." [7]

2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)

1. David Hume believed the liberty of the press is essential to preserving a free government, especially a mixed one like Britain's. "The liberty of the press is so essential to the support of our mixed government" [4].

2. He argued that it is safe in Britain because it allows the people to remain vigilant against government encroachments and because it employs the nation's learning and wit on the side of freedom. "It is apprehended that arbitrary power would steal in upon us, were we not careful to prevent its progress" [4].

3. Hume also believed that the liberty of the press is a common right of mankind, and that it is safe in Britain because it cannot easily incite rebellion or popular tumults. "The liberty of the press, therefore, however abused, can scarce ever excite popular tumults or rebellion" [8].

4. He further argued that the liberty of the press in Britain is due to its mixed form of government, which avoids the extremes of liberty and slavery. "The reason why the laws indulge us in such a liberty, seems to be derived from our mixed form of government" [5].

5. Hume acknowledged that the liberty of the press was not always protected in Britain, and that prior to 1694, the press was heavily restrained by laws and authorities. "The liberty of the press did not even commence with the revolution. It was not till 1694 that the restraints were taken off" [2].

3. HIS TAKE

Record coverage: DIRECT

The record is silent on the specific modern implications of the liberty of the press, such as digital media or global information flows.

Extrapolation: David Hume would likely argue that the liberty of the press remains essential to a free society, particularly in Britain, due to its role in curbing government ambition and allowing public discourse. He would emphasize the importance of a mixed government in ensuring that the press remains free and that the people can act as a check on power.

Competing readings: One reading is that Hume saw the liberty of the press as a necessary but potentially dangerous tool, requiring vigilance to prevent abuse. Another is that he believed it was a natural right that should be protected in all free governments. The record itself supports both readings, as he acknowledged both the benefits and the risks of an unbounded press.

Confidence: Moderate. The record provides clear statements on the importance of the liberty of the press, but the competing readings reflect tensions in his views, particularly regarding its potential for abuse.