Imagine being lowered in a basket from the walls of Damascus to meet a conqueror whose brutal power shaped history—but who paused to debate what makes societies thrive or collapse. That’s how our exploration of free speech begins—with a story that proves the power of ideas can challenge even the mightiest rulers. Today, we face our own pivotal moment in the fight to protect and understand open discourse.

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Speak Freely, Think Critically: The Free Speech Balance Act



Instructors: Dr. Terrence Sejnowski
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What you'll learn
Understand the neuroscience behind why free speech feels challenging and how our brains process opposing viewpoints.
Develop practical techniques for engaging in productive dialogue across differences, especially on emotionally charged topics.
Recognize modern threats to free expression and explore innovative approaches to preserving meaningful discourse in the digital age.
Skills you'll gain
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There are 3 modules in this course
Great ideas only matter if people can share them. This module dives into the drama of how ideas spread or get squashed - from a basket lowered down Damascus' walls to Putin's crackdown on satire. You'll discover the clever ways narcissistic leaders suppress questioning while claiming to welcome it, see how your brain processes challenges to your beliefs, and explore why social media can make us both smarter and dumber at the same time. Through stories that bring neuroscience to life, you'll learn why open dialogue drives innovation and problem-solving, while its absence leads to stagnation. Whether you lead a team, want to spot manipulation tactics, or just care about keeping good ideas alive, this module reveals the hidden forces shaping our conversations and gives you practical tools for our digital age.
What's included
10 videos1 reading2 assignments
Why do some ideas make us bristle before we even hear them out? In this module, we dive into the fascinating science of how your brain handles challenging ideas. You'll discover why your automatic reactions can sometimes hijack rational thinking, how experiences shape the neural pathways that guide your responses, and what this all means for having better conversations across differences. From ancient Damascus to modern neuroscience labs, we explore how understanding your brain's inner workings can help you master difficult discussions. Plus, you'll get hands-on practice with "Sway" - an innovative AI tool for strengthening your dialogue muscles. Perfect for anyone who's ever wondered why smart people can disagree so strongly, or who wants to have more productive conversations about tough topics. No neuroscience background required - just bring your curiosity about how minds (including your own) really work!
What's included
7 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt
Want to be part of keeping meaningful dialogue alive in our digital age? This final module brings together everything we've learned about brains, bias, and human behavior to tackle today's toughest free speech challenges. You'll see how real innovators are turning age-old problems into new solutions - like using disagreement itself to make online discussions better. Through concrete examples and cutting-edge tools, you'll discover what works (and what doesn't) in fostering open dialogue, both online and off. Plus, you'll get hands-on practice with approaches you can use right away. Whether you lead a team, engage in public debates, or just want better discussions with friends and family, this module gives you practical ways to help build a world where different voices don't just survive - they help us all think better.
What's included
10 videos1 reading2 assignments
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