New school at UI is needed

In his celebrated 1942 book, “ Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy,” Joseph Schumpeter expresses a pessimistic view about the prospects of our society. He theorizes that capitalism will be destroyed from within, in large part by the work of intellectuals. Since professors are predominantly critical of capitalism and its values, and businesspeople do not have time nor patience to engage in this war of ideas, we can understand Schumpeter’s pessimism. If universities foster destructive ideas and activism, they can significantly damage our civilization.

Therefore, I enthusiastically support the proposal by Iowa legislators to establish a new school at the University of Iowa, the School of Intellectual Freedom, which could serve as a bastion for American values and institutions. This institution could significantly expand the scope of research and education that are not currently addressed by the university’s existing departments.

For instance, it is necessary to argue that the capitalist system is the most equitable economic system that has existed or will ever exist. I chose this claim specifically to provoke those familiar with academic articles and books, which often argue the opposite. Another example: some leftist approaches to addressing “social injustices” might actually harm women and minorities. I will not attempt to substantiate these claims here, as they merit book-length discussions, or even several books. I hope future professors will write those much needed books.

Universities, in general, have become platforms for critiquing our values, institutions, and history. If individuals come to believe that their actions are immoral or unjust, they are more likely to feel ashamed and to accept unproven alternative systems. This highlights the vital need to challenge these ideas.

Nevertheless, when an external force seeks to promote a perspective that differs from the overwhelmingly predominant one in academia, the left often claims that this action violates “ academic freedom.” Professors should not be told what to write about and what to say. True, but I am a university professor who wants to research, write and teach on these very topics! Why can’t we?

“Of course you can,” one might reply. “Why don’t you?” Well, I and a few others have started to do so, but one must understand how academia stacks incentives that discourage such actions. Mainstream journals rarely publish articles opposing their editors’ beliefs. Without publishing in well regarded journals, you are not recognized as a productive scholar. Furthermore, chances of securing employment in other institutions diminish because the academic decision-makers in those institutions usually dislike “right-wing” positions, even from top scholars.

Although proportionately few, there are excellent conservative professors in this country, who could come to Iowa and seize the opportunity to produce truly valuable and highly significant research and teaching. I hope the legislators heed the call of Iowa’s people, and be bold and courageous enough to go ahead and create this new school in the University of Iowa.

Luciano de Castro is a Professor of Economics at the University of Iowa.