independent academics

Every society contains mechanisms to block ideas which deviate too far from the consensus.

Yet such ideas are needed, when old models have been exhausted.

Many of the significant cultural advances of the past were made outside the established institutional framework.

In the contemporary world this tends to be forgotten. ‘Research’ is presumed to be something carried out under the aegis of institutions.

Private funding, which once supported individuals, is now used to bolster large corporate entities. Smaller organisations are only funded if they are endorsed by the establishment.

The effect has been a bias in favour of fashionable points of view.

In many areas, work is carried out only if it is compatible with the dominant perspectives. This generates reinforcement for those perspectives, but does not produce leaps in understanding.

In the humanities, the presence of bias is particularly obvious.

In psychology, economics, philosophy and sociology there is a need for fresh perspectives, going beyond mere variations on existing themes.

Oxford Forum is an association of independent academics founded in 1998 by Dr Celia Green. It opposes intellectual and ideological bias in mainstream academia.