| Abstract: | This paper examines the legitimacy of norms as a means of evaluating academic conduct. Section one provides a general overview of some issues involved. In section two the concept of norms is unpacked and, in section three, some problems with an adequate account of norms are identified. In section four the rationality of norms is examined and in the following section, section five, the concept of deviance is discussed. It is argued that deviance from rational academic norms is usually, but not always, unacceptable. However, it also is suggested that dissenting conduct is required of academics since it is a central professional norm, closely connected to the purposes of a university. The concept of academic freedom, whilst not examined in any detail in this paper, provides a general defence of dissenting–but, in general, not of deviant ‐conduct. Given the difficulties associated with the concept of norms, the importance of character over conduct is emphasised. It is concluded that the moral basis for evaluating academic conduct and, hence, attempts to improve university teaching, is seriously problematic. |
