Academic Freedom

Academic freedom is essential for universities to pursue intellectual pursuits without fear of censorship or retaliation. Recent years have seen concerns about threats to academic freedom, including content warnings, safe spaces, social media controversies, microaggressions, and no platforming. This volume brings together leading philosophers to discuss traditional and timely challenges involving academic freedom, covering the rationale, parameters, new challenges, and conflicts between academic freedom and the enforcement of laws and regulations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Academic freedom is a fundamental principle that allows members of higher education institutions to engage in intellectual pursuits without fear of censorship or retaliation. It is at the core of the mission of universities, fostering the pursuit of knowledge and the exchange of ideas. However, recent years have seen growing concerns about threats to academic freedom, stemming from various factors. These concerns include the changing norms and demands of the university, as well as new issues that have emerged in the scholarly and popular discourse.

One of the most significant challenges to academic freedom is the rise of content warnings, safe spaces, social media controversies, microaggressions, and no-platforming. These issues have sparked loud cries from both scholars and the general public, arguing that academic freedom is under serious attack. This volume aims to address these gaps in the current literature by bringing together leading philosophers from diverse areas of expertise to weigh in on both traditional issues and timely challenges related to academic freedom.

The book is divided into four main sections:

Rationale of Academic Freedom: This section explores the philosophical foundations of academic freedom, including the importance of free speech, the pursuit of truth, and the role of universities in promoting intellectual growth.

Parameters of Academic Freedom: This section examines the boundaries and limitations of academic freedom, including issues such as academic integrity, plagiarism, and harassment. It also explores the relationship between academic freedom and the enforcement of laws and regulations governing the university.

New Challenges to Academic Freedom: This section explores the emerging issues that pose threats to academic freedom, such as content warnings, safe spaces, social media controversies, microaggressions, and no-platforming. It examines the rationales behind these challenges and the implications they have for the future of higher education.

Conflicts between Academic Freedom and the Enforcement of Laws and Regulations: This section examines the conflicts that can arise between academic freedom and the enforcement of laws and regulations governing the university. It explores the balance between protecting students and faculty from harm and upholding the principles of academic freedom.

In conclusion, academic freedom is a vital component of higher education, and it is essential to protect and promote it. This volume provides a comprehensive examination of the challenges and opportunities facing academic freedom in the modern world, offering insights from leading philosophers and policymakers. By engaging with these issues, we can work towards a future where academic freedom is preserved and celebrated.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198791508