Definitionv1
Intellectual independence: the practice of thinking and
Intellectual independence: the practice of thinking and expressing genuinely held dissenting views despite the social costs and discomfort that conformity pressures generate, requiring toleration of ambiguity, absorption of social cost without resentment, maintenance of relationships across disagreement, and strategic timing of expression
Why This Is a Definition
This definition clearly establishes the term 'intellectual independence' by naming it, stating its genus (a practice of thinking and expressing), and providing its differentia (thinking and expressing genuinely held dissenting views despite social costs and discomfort). It distinguishes it from related concepts like contrarianism and provides the specific requirements or characteristics that define what intellectual independence entails. The definition is precise enough to distinguish it from mere conformity or mere contrarianism.