THES on FOI in universities

The Times Higher Ed Supp has a leader on Freedom of Information in universities, calling on the academy to open up.

Researchers need to start with the basic assumption that it is right for others, including those outside the academy, to be able to test and challenge their methods and results. But they also need to take responsibility for providing the context that makes their raw material intelligible.

In short, they need to learn not only to live with FoI, but also to embrace it.

Comments

[John Blake]

This, after four hundred years of productively employing deductive, empirical "scientific method"? If various Fellowships need reminding of such basic real-world principles of inquiry, why not just revert to Aristotelian scholasticism and be done with it?

[BBD]

In short, they need to learn not only to live with FoI, but also to embrace it.

They'd best be quick. Before somebody abolishes it...

[j ferguson]

BBD: "They'd best be quick. Before somebody abolishes it..."

Bravo!

[Shub]

So crucify the ego,
Before it's far too late
To leave behind this place
So negative and blind and cynical,

And you will come to find
That we are all one mind
Capable of all that's
Imagined and all conceivable

Just let the light touch you
And let the words spill through
And let them pass right through
Bringing out our hope and reason...

Reflection

[DR]

I'm very glad to see this article in the THES own pages - maybe they took note of the comments on the earlier piece by Adam Corner and Alice Bell arguing that it is unreasonable to apply FOI to academic research.

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=414350&c=2

http://bishophill.squarespace.com/blog/2010/11/25/foi-and-scientists.html