Academic freedom Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Academic freedom - Essay Example The problem highlighted by the author here relates to identity, authority and freedom of speech and expression in the world in general. The fact that, nothing in this world is seen in isolation but is relative to other things or dependent on other elements such as culture, religion, geographic similarity, religion, nationality or politics. In light of social sciences and humanities, the author considers race, gender, ethnicity and religion as political factors that hinder learning and knowledge at all levels especially in the academia which is suffering from a lack of academic freedom as the author terms it. He believes that academics forms a basis of what the students would later be like once they leave the academic institute and the social, political and general environment is what defines their future and how they deal with adversities. The realities of social life are bitter but a lot of it can improve if academic culture is transformed. It needs to not teach about a specific dom inant culture and its superiority but it needs to teach people about other cultures and nationalities, about developing tolerance and appreciation for others, about learning what other religions, races and geographically diverse ethnic groups are about. The author argues over the lack of democratic rights, free press and a missing feeling of well-being exists in places like Saudi Arabia, too full of their national pride and religious superiority. In comparison to Arabia, the American academy is seen to be more liberal and diverse, giving the feeling of confidence and freedom to those who belong there. The difference is vast and it is what creates disparities amongst people at a late stage. The argument is in favor of a liberal form of enhanced academic freedom which can help solve problems like national and cultural  intolerance, ethnocentricity and stereotyping.