The term “ivory tower” has long been ingrained in people’s minds as a metaphor for academic research institutions, symbolizing the nobility and purity of academic research, isolated from the disputes and distractions of the outside world. However, recurring instances of academic misconduct have sparked widespread concern among the public. Reports indicate that in the first half of 2024, a total of 2,096 SCI papers were retracted globally, of which 1,131 were from China, accounting for 54%. The four main reasons for the retraction of SCI papers by Chinese authors are unreliable data, falsified peer reviews, fabricated papers by “paper mills,” and plagiarism. In this context, the scientificity, authority, and credibility of academic research are being called into question.

Traditional intellectuals

Since ancient times, Chinese intellectuals have upheld the aspiration and tradition of “ordaining conscience for Heaven and Earth, securing life and fortune for the people, continuing the lost teachings of past sages, and establishing peace for all future generations.” Scholars within the ivory tower undoubtedly resonate deeply with the sayings of Northern Song (960–1127) thinker Zhang Zai.

In the late Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), when Chinese scholarship was transitioning from traditional to modern forms, Chinese intellectuals initiated a long-running debate on the balance between the “truth” and “utility” of knowledge. Jiang Meng, a professor from the School of History at Renmin University of China, explained that the issue of “truth” and “utility” essentially reflects the original aspiration of scholarship. The ancient Chinese tradition of “humanistic pragmatism” emphasized the balance of “truth” and “application,” pointing to the ultimate goal of academic research.

“I embarked on the path of historical research somewhat by chance. As a child, I didn’t know what scholarship was, nor did I understand how to do historical research. I just had a vague question in mind: Why are farmers so poor and suffering?” Jiang recalled. It was this question that sparked his deep connection with the field of history. Later, under the guidance of various teachers, he embarked on a career in historical research, and to this day, that original question continues to influence his historical exploration.

Academic research originates from human curiosity, representing our fundamental desire to question and explore the world and uncover the rationale behind the way things are. Today, research is not only a personal interest but also a career choice. Wang Na, deputy dean of the School of Marxism at Beihang University, reflecting on her own research experience, explained, “In fact, I did not aspire to pursue academic research from a young age. I remember clearly that it was not until I finished my doctoral thesis and doctoral defense that I suddenly realized that I had truly stepped into the threshold of academia, learned the expression of academic discourse, mastered the application of academic methods, and understood the rigorousness of academic norms. Over many years after graduation, I gradually transitioned from being a doctoral student to becoming a scholar. At present, academic research is not only a profession but also a way of life for me. I found myself unconsciously applying theoretical frameworks to analyze various phenomena.”

Academic ethics

In today’s world, people are constantly surrounded by an overwhelming amount of information, with the speed and scope of its dissemination growing exponentially. Arguably, society is more transparent than ever before. For academic research, its visibility and public attention have significantly increased, bringing scholars closer to the public eye as if they are working under a microscope. Yet, despite this scrutiny, why do some “odd phenomena” continue to plague academia?

In Wang’s view, scholars are not only members of the academic community, but also part of the broader social fabric. When academic research transitions from a personal interest to a means of livelihood, it becomes not only a path to self-realization, but also a means of earning a living. This shift may expose scholars to potential ethical risks as they pursue success and career advancement.

“Today’s academic circle is not a closed system, but is closely interconnected with other systems. Academic achievements will not only win recognition from peers and gain respect within the academic circle, but also transcend the circle and enter the public eye, profiting in the market,” Wang continued. She added that in the current “traffic-driven” information landscape, online popularity occupies a paramount status, and reputation and financial gain are intertwined. Scholars frequently in the spotlight may enjoy both, while those dedicated to quiet, diligent research remain largely unknown to the outside world. This dynamic may tempt some to take risks, crossing ethical boundaries in their efforts to become famous.

Liu Yang, a professor from the School of Law at Shandong University (Weihai), believes that the vast majority of researchers embark on their academic path driven by a desire to explore the unknown and deep respect for scholarship. However, due to various internal and external factors during the course of personal development, the initial motivation for research can gradually be overshadowed by the lure of fame and fortune, leading to an opportunistic mindset.

The imbalance of scholars’ mentalities stems from multiple factors, but two crucial elements that cannot be overlooked are the lack of public-mindedness and perseverance. According to Liu, scholarship serves as a public good. The purpose of academic research is to advance and disseminate knowledge, representing the contribution of scholars to the country and society in their own unique way. If scholars reduce academic work to a mere means of earning a livelihood, they may forget the public nature of their research, leading to a disregard for its seriousness and a tendency to treat it as a utilitarian pursuit. In terms of perseverance, success in any career comes at the cost of time and effort, and this is especially true for academic growth. The process of academic advancement is often solitary and arduous, and without perseverance, one might be tempted to take shortcuts.