Some kind of academic independence like a free press is essential for a free society. Universities are often venues for dissent and perpetuation of ideas as they provide the context and space for contemplation, research and developing ideas.
This role has heavily and quite consciously diminished since the 70s. We have already learnt a free press often does not function as we would imagine easily co-opted into furthering various agendas and established interests.
With academia too engrossed in getting funding and a free press not really 'free' with their own funding constraints who plays the role of a watch guard and informed comment. If everyone is too busy trying just to survive a society in many ways ceases to be dynamic and loses its self awareness reduced to mere trading and consumption.
This role has heavily and quite consciously diminished since the 70s. We have already learnt a free press often does not function as we would imagine easily co-opted into furthering various agendas and established interests.
With academia too engrossed in getting funding and a free press not really 'free' with their own funding constraints who plays the role of a watch guard and informed comment. If everyone is too busy trying just to survive a society in many ways ceases to be dynamic and loses its self awareness reduced to mere trading and consumption.