The Right to Know and Question

Sor Juana fought for women's right to education and intellectual engagement, arguing that knowledge belongs to all regardless of gender or social station. This principle directly opposes corruption, which thrives in secrecy and information asymmetry. When citizens and institutions lack access to truthful information, corrupt actors exploit opacity. The right to know and question creates accountability: transparent records, public documents, and open debate make corruption harder to hide and easier to challenge. Sor Juana's insistence on the intellectual dignity of all people parallels modern anti-corruption frameworks emphasizing freedom of information, whistleblower protections, and public participation in governance. By securing these rights, societies build structural resistance to corruption rooted in the principle that no group should monopolize knowledge or decision-making power.