|
Since
the first universities were born over eight centuries ago, intellectuals have negotiated
the right to pursue knowledge without outside pressure, a privilege broadly known
as academic freedom. This sacrosanct notion continues to be challenged on all fronts.
Strapped for funds because of public sector cutbacks, universities worldwide are
sealing deals with corporations. Although in some cases these alliances have proved
their worth (pp.
21-22),
in many others, they have led to blatant conflicts of interest and run the risk of
sidelining basic research and the humanities (pp. 18-20). In response,
medical journals recently took a lead in protecting academic investigators (p.
23).
Meanwhile, hopes that the information revolution would spur easier access to knowledge
are hampered by ever stricter intellectual property rights (pp. 24-25).
Marginalized from the international community, many African researchers are forced
to sell their wares. While they are no longer widely targeted on grounds of subversion,
in many other parts of the world, the politics of ethnic and religious identity have
placed intellectuals in the line of fire (pp. 30-31). Some, such
as Afghan professor Abdul Lalzad (p.
29),
have managed to flee with help from the international community, others serve prison
sentences (p.
32).
The social climate can also curtail freedoms: in Russia, historians are running up
against a reluctance to explore the darker days of the Soviet era (pp. 33-34).
But scholars must seize the day and play a more prominent role in addressing pressing
global problems (p.
35). |
