When Library intern Madeline Donnelly thinks about intellectual freedom, she thinks of Galileo, Socrates and Semmelweis, and the repercussions they faced for radical ideas that challenged established norms.
To help understand their situations in the context of modern times and technology, Donnelly asked herself:
What if Galileo had a Twitter account when he published a Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems?
What if Semmelweis was on Facebook when he revealed the benefits of hand-washing on patient mortality?
What if Socrates did all his Socratic questioning on Twitter?
This week is Freedom to Read Week in Canada. Organized by the Freedom of Expression Committee of the Book and Periodical Council, FRW is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Let’s celebrate our freedom to think, read, write and share.
Watch videos created by Madeline:
