The Silent Erosion of Independent Thought
August 17, 2024
In a reflection I once shared, I noted, "Interestingly, education and expertise often diminish likeability here. These attributes become valued only after someone has effectively 'sold their soul' and demonstrated unwavering loyalty to those in power. Independent knowledge, expertise, and integrity almost guarantee exclusion from decision-making circles, especially when one's professionalism involves dissent."
Under normal circumstances, a university with academic freedom would serve as a sanctuary for independent, critical thinkers. (Academic freedom is the principle that scholars and students should be free to explore ideas, pursue knowledge, and express their thoughts without fear of censorship or retribution, as long as they adhere to scholarly standards and ethical principles. This freedom is essential to the mission of higher education, fostering critical thinking, innovative research, and the challenge of established norms.) Such institutions act as bastions of free thought, where individuals can critically assess society and experiment with technology within ethical guidelines.
Yet, in 2011, this very foundation of free thought and expression was dismantled with assistance from within. Since then, the once-vital dissenting voices from our universities—voices crucial for democracy and societal progress—have fallen silent. The tragedy is that neither the university nor society at large recognizes or mourns this loss because they no longer understand what has been lost. Nonetheless, there is a lingering sense that something is fundamentally wrong.
The same can be said for the media, as more outlets cease to exist, leaving fewer spaces for independent thought. On August 28th, Emeritus Professor Carlos Weeber wrote an opinion piece asserting that the removal of rector magnificus Miguel Goede (myself) signaled the end of the university.[1]
I have never forgotten that article. It has been 13 years now. The pressing question remains: Can the university rise from the ashes? This revival hinges on whether independent minds will once again find a safe haven within its walls. We can only hope for such a future.
Miguel Goede
Comments