Libre knowledge

Under freedom of knowledge to understand media scholars and education leaders the right to free access to information. They refer to the free access to knowledge as a fundamental right and a prerequisite for a democratic society. Unlike traditional fundamental rights such as freedom of expression or freedom of religion, protecting the personal rights of the individual, freedom of knowledge concerns the participation in society, the so-called (participation).

Proponents of freedom of knowledge rely inter alia on Max Weber, who believes that in terms of policy, a superior knowledge always implies a power advantage.

The first step to knowledge of freedom within a society lies in the abolition of school fees. The second level consists of the universities that grant free access to their research methods and results. With the beginning of the digital age is finally required to disclose those technologies will be saved and passed on the basis of knowledge to ensure sustainable use. This may include the use of free software and open source software.

In Germany the freedom of knowledge is given together with the freedom of art by Article 5, paragraph 3, of the Basic Law.