Final answer:
Milton's 'Areopagitica' fundamentally concerns itself with advocating for the freedom of the press and opposing censorship. Linking this with the 'Republic of Letters' concept, it emphasizes the importance of free and open discussion for societal development and the spread of ideas.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Milton's Areopagitica fundamentally concerns itself with C) The freedom of the press and censorship. This seminal 17th century text is a fervent argument against censorship and an impassioned plea for freedom of speech and of the press. In it, Milton encourages open debate and discourse, viewing these things as indispensable for intellectual and societal growth, for advancement in knowledge, and for the safeguarding of truth. This mirrors arguments made by Jürgen Habermas about the significant role of open discussion in a public forum for societal development.
Through the concept of the 'Republic of Letters', the spread of ideas by the literate community of the era can be traced, with written correspondence allowing for the international exchange and transmission of thoughts. This 'Republic' was a testament to the growth of literacy rates and the proliferation of printed materials, leading to a much wider audience being reached. The importance of the freedom of the press, as advocated for in Areopagitica, is highlighted as essential in this context.
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