mõttevabadust

Mõttevabadus, also known as freedom of thought, is the liberty of an individual to hold or consider a faith or opinion without interference. It is a fundamental human right, recognized in international law and in the constitutions of many countries. This right encompasses the freedom to think, believe, and form opinions on any subject, regardless of whether those thoughts are popular, accepted, or align with societal norms.

The concept of mõttevabadus is distinct from freedom of expression, which is the right to communicate one's thoughts and ideas to others. While freedom of expression allows for the outward manifestation of thought, mõttevabadus pertains to the internal realm of the mind. It protects the right to have thoughts, even if those thoughts are never articulated or shared.

This freedom is considered a cornerstone of other human rights, as it enables individuals to develop their own perspectives and to challenge existing ideas. It is essential for personal autonomy, intellectual development, and the functioning of a democratic society. Restrictions on mõttevabadus can lead to suppression of dissent, intellectual stagnation, and the erosion of individual liberties. Many international human rights documents, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, explicitly affirm the right to freedom of thought.