Personally, I believe even reprehensible people have the right to speak, congregate and spread their ideas, but also that society has a moral duty to prevent the spread of harmful speech even in the name of free speech (see the paradox of tolerance,) and they aren't entitled to an arbitrarily large platform. Of course such a position is fraught with the potential for abuse, since the definitions for "harmful" and "useful" speech are arbitrary (speech against slavery was considered harmful at one point of course.) but I still think this position is preferable to the alternatives.
Should we then respect Joe Rogan’s right to host and give platform to controversial (or even reprehensible) guests if he chooses to do so? Does that reflect poorly on his moral character or not necessarily?
Also, is there value for society in surfacing reprehensible ideas?
The conversations are interesting and illuminating, and he is skilled at respectfully interviewing those he does not align with. This is all valuable in our society, and it’s helpful in breaking up echo chambers.
I am not a big fan of Joe Rogan, but I respect podcasters like him or Lex Fridman who facilitate exchange of various ideas without judgement.
Would you disagree?