Special Lecture on Intellectual Autonomy and Independent Thinking held at MANUU

Hyderabad:

The Department of Sociology, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), today organised a special lecture by Dr. IrfanullahFarooqi from the Humanities and Liberal Arts in Management, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Kozhikode, Kerala.

Dr. Irfanullah Farooqi emphasised the need for researchers to develop critical thinking skills and highlighted the ethical and unethical dimensions of sociological research. He noted that a clear disciplinary perspective helps researchers develop deeper insights and strengthen their critical engagement with the subject.

Referring to the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in contemporary times, he observed that AI can serve as a useful tool in accessing information and supporting the learning process. He encouraged students to engage deeply with their research and develop the capacity to analyse and interpret knowledge independently rather than relying solely on AI-generated information.

Dr. IrfanullahFarooqi highlighted the importance of intellectual autonomy and independent thinking in academic and research pursuits. The speaker emphasised that being a researcher is not merely a matter of institutional identity or formal designation but involves developing an inner conviction, critical thinking, and the ability to generate independent ideas.

During the discussion, the speaker explained the gradual development of intellectual abilities through different stages of higher education. While undergraduate students are primarily expected to understand, interpret, and summarise classical texts, postgraduate students are encouraged to move beyond summarisation and develop their own critical perspectives by connecting different theories and scholarly works.

The session provided valuable insights into the significance of intellectual autonomy, critical engagement, and independent inquiry in strengthening academic and research practices.