debate on art should be free from censorship?

Answer 1

Can we distinguish between government or authority-driven censorship and self-censorship, which might be called good manners? I think debate on anything, including art, should be free of externally imposed censorship. But the reason we have Community Guidelines here and the reason some control is imposed on most methods of communication is to encourage good manners.

Self-censorship means you compose your comments in such a way that they will not get an emotional response to the form, but a reasoned response to the content. That is basic good manners. Name-calling and bigotry will be responded to negatively, and the real issues will be buried. Keep it decent and have your say.

Answer 2

It all comes down to the rights of the individual. If I give someone a right to do something a equal and opposite right is taken from another. For example if I say to an artist you may be free from censorship and they produce a loudhaler which hangs in the middle of town surrounded by flashing lights and spouting swear words, the rights of other individuals who want a quiet time or who are offended by swearing and who live in the area are compromised.

Answer 3

I think you need to define your parameters. To take an extreme case, some people could try to claim that child pornography is Art and therefore should be free from censorship. I don't know how you feel about this but I know how I do.
Also, what are you trying to debate?