Open Thread for February 18-24 2014

eggman

If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.

The Doctrine of Academic Freedom, Let’s give up on academic freedom in favor of justice from the Harvard Crimson

No academic question is ever “free” from political realities. If our university community opposes racism, sexism, and heterosexism, why should we put up with research that counters our goals simply in the name of “academic freedom”?

Instead, I would like to propose a more rigorous standard: one of “academic justice.” When an academic community observes research promoting or justifying oppression, it should ensure that this research does not continue.

This already describes the reality on the ground, though to see it announced explicitly as a good and noble goal, by the upcoming generation, is disturbing. And people like Steven Pinker let are getting old. I'm now updating my trust for the conclusions of academic institutions and culture when they happen to coincide with their political biases downward further.

1ESRogs12y

On the other hand, the most-upvoted comments on the article are encouraging. :)

1Ishaan12y

Ironically enough, it's somewhat surprising that The Crimson didn't censor this article, as it was bound to attract negative press. I'm hoping the fact that this is just an opinion piece, and that the article is currently in circulation on the internet as an example of what's wrong with academia, and that all the comments are opposed to it, is a sign that this is just the internet bringing the worst things to my attention, and that such thinking will never actually be reflected in any formal policy...if not, I've got some updating to do.

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Open Thread for February 18-24 2014

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If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.

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Open Thread for February 18-24 2014

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If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.

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