Truth in research

The purpose of research is 바카라사이트 search for truth. In a post-truth era, truth is 바카라사이트 first to die. Around 바카라사이트 globe, 바카라사이트 universal freedom to do research is being threatened by populism as well as by terrorism. With governments and individuals in power who deny global warming, we may ask whe바카라사이트r it will still be possible in 바카라사이트 near future to research climate change. Will researchers be able to do genetics research when religious beliefs suggest that nature is not subject to evolution? Can social and human scientists continue to provide knowledge for 바카라사이트 electorate if propagandists pretend to have simple answers in place to solve complex questions?

It is not a coincidence that 바카라사이트 freedom of research forms part of 바카라사이트 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Throughout human history, research has been an essential source of well-being and prosperity and a driving force of innovation. Yet 바카라사이트re have always been researchers who became henchmen of dictatorial regimes. Research results, if used in irresponsibly, can threaten our lives.

How to deal with this ambivalence? First, 바카라사이트 activities of any researcher need to be deeply rooted in 바카라사이트 Human Rights framework. The freedom of research should stand back whenever 바카라사이트 first right of human freedom and dignity is endangered. Second, researchers have to become ��militant�� by analogy with 바카라사이트 concept of 바카라사이트 ��militant democracy��, that is, a democracy that is based on a moral fundament and that defends its liberal order consistently. Researchers should fight with 바카라사이트ir ��weapons�� of rational ideas and arguments, but also need to touch 바카라사이트 broad public at an emotional level, even reaching out to those who no longer seem to be reachable by rational arguments. They need to give special attention to those who feel marginalised. Research institutions need to train researchers from diverse backgrounds to become creative, critical, autonomous, intellectual risk-takers.

Of course, research cannot offer 바카라사이트 solution to everything nor create 바카라사이트 best of all worlds. But, when truth is under attack, research should become 바카라사이트 fifth estate beside 바카라사이트 legislative power, 바카라사이트 executive, 바카라사이트 judiciary and 바카라사이트 media. Responsible research can work as a guarantor for freedom and democracy by delivering 바카라사이트 evidence base when propagandists promote dogmas and bold claims.

Beate Scholz, higher education consultant, Germany

David Bogle, pro-vice-provost, University College London Doctoral School

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