Shirin Ebadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, emphasizes the critical role of knowledge in liberating individuals from ignorance. She argues that awareness of one's rights and responsibilities is essential for self-determination. When people lack knowledge, they become vulnerable to being manipulated by those in power, which underscores the importance of education and scientific inquiry in fostering freedom and autonomy.

Ebadi also connects the freedom of scientific research to the freedom of thought, suggesting that they are interconnected. The pursuit of knowledge not only empowers individuals but also serves as a fundamental pillar for a just and equitable society. In her view, promoting scientific freedom is essential for safeguarding personal freedoms and ensuring that people can make informed choices about their lives and governance.