independence of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "independence of thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to the ability to think for oneself and make decisions based on personal beliefs and reasoning, rather than being influenced by external forces. Example sentence: "The school's curriculum encourages independence of thought by promoting critical thinking and diverse perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Though Shelley herself thought the work "poor", it found favour with reviewers who praised its independence of thought, wit, and feeling.

Wikipedia

Third, they must have demonstrated independence of thought and judgement.

Independent

Independence of thought is subordinated to the demands of rote learning.

The Economist

His anticlerical poem "Il trionfo della libertà" demonstrates his independence of thought.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And this independence of thought gives commentators a good deal of power.

The Guardian

The primary admission criteria when evaluating applicants were independence of thought, purposeful leadership and a civic mindset.

Stanford University

This latter case is a great case in point for self-examination of our independence of thought.

University of California, Berkeley

The three primary criteria when evaluating applications are independence of thought, purposeful leadership and a civic mindset.

Stanford University

Instead of invoking Confucius, Liu wrote, intellectuals should be venerating "independence of thought and autonomy of person".

The New Yorker

Shortly thereafter, Berengar, who always exhibited great independence of thought, began to teach ideas contrary to prevailing beliefs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rather, an independent researcher is "one who enjoys independence of thought--the freedom to define the problem of interest or to choose or develop the best strategies to address the problem".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Encourage "independence of thought" in your writing by presenting multiple perspectives and inviting readers to form their own conclusions. Avoid presenting information in a way that dictates a specific viewpoint.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two ideas are independently conceived, one must necessarily influence the other. "Independence of thought" simply means they were arrived at separately, not that one caused the other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "independence of thought" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI shows it describes the capacity for autonomous, self-directed thinking, free from external constraints or undue influence. It commonly serves as a subject or object, denoting a quality or attribute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

32%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "independence of thought" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that emphasizes the capacity to think autonomously and critically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in academic, news, and encyclopedic contexts, highlighting its importance in discussions about intellectual freedom and critical analysis. When using this phrase, aim to promote critical thinking and avoid presenting biased information. Explore alternatives like "intellectual autonomy" or "original thinking" to fine-tune your message. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively convey the value of forming your own judgments and resisting undue influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Intellectual autonomy

Focuses specifically on the autonomy of one's intellect.

Original thinking

Emphasizes the novelty and uniqueness of the thought process.

Critical thinking

Highlights the analytical and evaluative aspect of independent thought.

Autonomy of mind

Rephrases independence as a state of mental self-governance.

Freedom of thought

Stresses the liberation from external constraints on thinking.

Independent mindedness

Refers to the characteristic of being inclined to think independently.

Nonconformist thinking

Highlights the deviation from conventional thought patterns.

Self-reliant thought

Emphasizes the reliance on oneself in the thinking process.

Unconventional wisdom

Focuses on thinking that goes against established or popular beliefs.

Creative reasoning

Underscores the inventive and imaginative aspects of independent thought.

FAQs

How can I encourage "independence of thought" in my students?

Promote critical thinking by asking open-ended questions, encouraging debate, and valuing diverse perspectives. Expose them to various viewpoints and challenge them to form their own opinions based on evidence and reason.

What is the difference between "freedom of thought" and "independence of thought"?

"Freedom of thought" refers to the right to hold any belief without fear of persecution, while "independence of thought" describes the ability to form one's own opinions and ideas without undue influence from others.

Why is "independence of thought" important in a democratic society?

"Independence of thought" is crucial for informed decision-making, holding leaders accountable, and fostering innovation. It enables citizens to critically evaluate information and resist manipulation, which are vital for a healthy democracy.

What are some ways to cultivate "independence of thought" in myself?

Practice questioning assumptions, seeking out diverse sources of information, engaging in critical analysis, and being open to changing your mind in the face of new evidence. Develop your own criteria for evaluating information and avoid blindly accepting the opinions of others.