Academic freedom: doctrinal and legislative scopes

Abstract

The article outlines the status and importance of scientific research and legislative regulation of academic freedom. It is pointed out that academic freedom in the national constitutional and legal doctrine has been studied very insufficiently due to some destructive factors, including inertia and conservatism of the post-Soviet centralized system of educational management, closed academic environment, long-term lack of standardization of academic freedom in the Ukraine’s legislation, superficial comprehension of the academic freedom as a value in the academic environment and in Ukrainian society in general, etc. The absence in the Constitution of Ukraine as well as in most of the constitutions of foreign countries of a separate article proclaiming academic freedom does not contribute to the development of the theory of academic freedom. In this regard, disclosure of the essence of academic freedom is possible through a systematic interpretation of certain constitutional norms. Some activation of the scientific research began when the educational reforms were implemented in Ukraine, especially the Law of Ukraine “On Higher Education”, which provided the basis for modernization of the educational legislation and legalized the concept of academic freedom, was adopted. The development of the right to academic freedom in Ukraine is facilitated both by law-making activity, which is based on updating the educational legislation, as well as generating and disseminating scientific ideas on this issue in the constitutional and legal doctrine in the direction of ensuring pluralism of thoughts. Today, the concept, essence and content of academic freedom are interpreted by scholars differently. Each of them contributes to the development of the concept of academic freedom. The concepts, components and content of academic freedom are highlighted. Academic freedom is not permissiveness, but rather a choice of behavior and personal responsibility for the result. It is non-absolute and has its objective and subjective limits. However, any restrictions are justified only in order to ensure the adequate recognition and respect of the rights and freedoms of others, satisfaction of the just requirements of morality, public order and general well-being in a democratic society. The author’s definition of the right to academic freedom as a legally guaranteed opportunity for the participants of the educational process to carry out scientific research, teaching, training freely, without any external interference, taking into account the restrictions established by law is suggested. Key words: academic freedom, freedom of scientific research, freedom of teaching, freedom of learning, right to academic freedom.