Focus | Academic freedom
Debate – a fundamental part of academia Perceptions of academic freedom may differ. But the right to assert one’s opinion is cherished within universities. An endless discussion is going on at Högskoleläckan. The debate pages of the
major dailies have been filled with indignant voices claiming that the university world has become too politically correct, that there is no longer any academic freedom. The posts are met by equally discontented opponents who believe that the debaters are mistaken and that the threat comes from elsewhere. – In the academic debate, one must be able to accept radically different views.
You have no right not to be contradicted, states Christian Munthe, Professor of Practical Philosophy and himself a diligent debater. Personally, he is happy to enter into discussions in the Facebook group Högskoleläckan, where he also acts as a moderator. At present, the group has 18,600 members, the majority of whom have a connection to the university. But the group is also frequented by politicians, journalists, students and other interested parties. – When I started Högskoleläckan ten years ago, it was because I wanted a forum where we could discuss academic issues. It is obvious that other people needed the same thing, says Ulf Dalnäs, Vice Dean for Collaboration at the Faculty of Fine, Applied
and Performing Arts. In recent times, academic freedom has been a recurring issue in the extensive Facebook threads. And as long as everyone maintains a decent level of discussion, all opinions are welcome. Ulf Dalnäs also frequently runs live broadcasts in “Läckan” where he talks to politicians and others, who he thinks have something to contribute to the topic under discussion.
– I am deeply impressed by
committed researchers who do not hesitate to delve into controversial issues even though they are aware of what the reaction will be. It has definitely become a tougher climate in which to debate, he says. Nevertheless, both Ulf Dalnäs and Christian Munthe
… it was because I wanted a forum where we could discuss academic issues. ULF DALNÄS
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emphasize the importance of a lively discussion. Ongoing discussion is one of the foundations of academia. There is also nothing new under the sun. For as long as there have been universities – there has been debate about what they teach.
– Throughout history, there
have been discussions about whether the teaching is too religious or secular, whether they are too left-wing or too right-wing. Academia is free, but also controlled. We choose to go in a certain direction and those who deviate from the accepted path may not be accommodated to the same extent, says Christian Munthe. The basis of the universities’ raison d’être is that there is a kind of consensus, a solid system that everyone agrees on. Therefore, it is also inevitable that some individuals are dissatisfied with certain directions, says Christian Munthe. – The result of collegial discussions is that as an individual, you may feel that the scope within which you
