Academic Freedom and Epistemic Responsibility in the Post-Truth Era

This paper examines the relationship between academic freedom and epistemic responsibility as two normative pillars that underpin the university's function in maintaining the knowledge ecosystem, especially in the midst of epistemic disruption in the post-truth era. Philosophically, academic freedom is understood as a prerequisite for critical inquiry and truth-seeking, while epistemic responsibility demands rigor, honesty, and accountability in the production and dissemination of knowledge. However, the post-truth condition is characterized by the proliferation of disinformation, political polarization, and the erosion of scientific authority that shakes the epistemic foundations that have historically supported academic legitimacy. Through an analysis of contemporary concepts and literature, this paper suggests that universities must build an institutional ethics capable of synthesizing freedom and responsibility as the basis for the restoration of epistemic authority. This approach emphasizes the importance of an open discursive culture, scientific transparency, and critical education to form resilient epistemic agents.