Abstract Book of the 8th World Conference on Research in Social Sciences
Year: 2025
DOI:
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Impact on Academic Freedom: The Role of Radical Extreme Social Justice Ideologies in Public Discourse Suppressing Open Inquiry
Yujia Zhu
ABSTRACT:
This paper investigates the impact of radical social justice ideologies on academic freedom, emphasizing how these ideologies can both empower and constrain public discourse and open inquiry within academic settings. The analysis begins with a historical overview of academic freedom, highlighting its importance in fostering innovation, critical thinking, and institutional autonomy. As social justice ideologies have evolved, they have influenced academia by promoting inclusivity, challenging Eurocentric perspectives, and reshaping curricula. However, the paper explores how radical interpretations of social justice can inadvertently suppress academic freedom through practices such as self-censorship, denunciation mobs, and “cancel culture,” often stifling intellectual diversity and freedom of expression. Case studies, including those of the University of the South Pacific and Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson, illustrate the tensions and consequences when ideological agendas confront academic autonomy. Ultimately, this paper advocates for a balanced approach that honors both social justice objectives and the principles of open inquiry, proposing strategies to create inclusive yet intellectually open academic environments.
Keywords: Academic freedom, radical social justice ideologies, open inquiry, self-censorship, intellectual diversity, inclusivity