intellectual freedom

USAGE SUMMARY

'intellectual freedom' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the freedom of individuals to think and express opinions without fear of censure or punishment. For example, "The education system should strive to promote intellectual freedom in students, so that they can develop their own ideas without fear of being judged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Intellectual freedom.

The Guardian

"Poetry depends upon intellectual freedom.

The Guardian - Books

Mr Bouchard defends Mr Lykken's intellectual freedom.

The Economist

About the importance of intellectual freedom.

The Guardian - Books

The value of intellectual freedom is far from self-evident.

The New Yorker

"Our primary commitment is to intellectual freedom," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

But I have been happily married to another left-progressive-socialist-intellectual freedom loving woman for 30 years.

The New York Times - Books

The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom received 275 reports of challenged books last year.

The Guardian

Last May, Baker presented his charges at the invitation of the Intellectual Freedom Committee of the Librarians Guildd.

The New Yorker

Judith Krug, director of the association's Office for Intellectual Freedom, said 30 books were banned last year.

The New York Times

It's also one of the most frequently challenged books, according to the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "intellectual freedom", provide context by specifying the environment or field where this freedom is relevant (e.g., education, research, media).

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual freedom" interchangeably with "academic freedom" without recognizing that the latter specifically applies to educational settings. While related, their scope differs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual freedom" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the concept of unrestricted thought and expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intellectual freedom" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the right to think and express ideas without censorship. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias and scientific publications. While synonyms exist, such as "freedom of thought" and "freedom of inquiry", it's important to use the phrase within the correct context, especially when differentiating it from "academic freedom". By understanding its nuances and applications, writers can effectively communicate the importance of unrestricted thought and expression. Keep in mind that it's crucial to provide context for the field or domain where this freedom is relevant (e.g., "intellectual freedom in education").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

freedom of thought

Focuses on the liberty to form one's own opinions and beliefs.

intellectual independence

Highlights the ability to think for oneself without relying on external authority.

academic liberty

Specifically refers to the freedom within an academic setting to teach, learn, and research.

freedom of inquiry

Highlights the freedom to ask questions and investigate without restrictions.

open-mindedness

Emphasizes the receptiveness to new ideas and perspectives.

cognitive liberty

Emphasizes an individual's right to control their own consciousness and thought processes.

creative autonomy

Focuses on the freedom to express oneself creatively without censorship.

unfettered expression

Stresses the lack of constraints on expressing one's views.

philosophical freedom

Highlights the freedom to explore and develop philosophical ideas.

liberty of conscience

Focuses on the freedom to hold and act upon one's own moral beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "intellectual freedom" in a sentence?

You might say, "The university is committed to upholding the principle of "intellectual freedom" for both students and faculty" or "The suppression of "intellectual freedom" can stifle creativity and innovation".

What is the difference between "intellectual freedom" and "academic freedom"?

"Intellectual freedom" is a broader concept that applies to the freedom of thought and expression in any context, while "academic freedom" specifically refers to the freedom to teach, learn, and conduct research within an educational institution.

What are some synonyms for "intellectual freedom"?

Synonyms include "freedom of thought", "freedom of inquiry", and "creative autonomy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Why is "intellectual freedom" important?

"Intellectual freedom" is crucial for fostering critical thinking, innovation, and the open exchange of ideas, which are essential for societal progress and individual growth.