Respond: Semiotic Democracy Theory
Both liberal and conservative groups have underscored the principle of “the marketplace of ideas” for the free discussion of important issues. The notion implies that the “best” ideas, if discussed in an open group with all relevant parties engaged and involved, will rise to the top. More important, an open marketplace of ideas will help people who do not understand an issue to get positions from all sides. Finally, through open discussion, a democracy (government by the people) can build a “consensus” of opinion toward the best solution to a social problem or a public policy issue.
These ideas are at the heart the media democracy and free expression principles in the