Universities have been a cornerstone of society for centuries, serving as centers of intellectual development and producing generations of skilled professionals. However, the role and place of universities in society has been a topic of debate among philosophers and thinkers. Here we’ll briefly discusses five prominent figures who spoke about the place of universities in society.
John Henry Newman
John Henry Newman, a 19th-century philosopher, believed that universities should be a place for intellectual pursuit and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. Universities should not be seen as a means to an end, but rather as an end in and of themselves. According to Newman, universities should not be driven by practical or utilitarian goals, but rather by the pursuit of truth and knowledge.
John Dewey
John Dewey, a 20th-century philosopher, viewed universities as institutions that should serve society. Dewey believed that universities should be a place where students could learn and apply knowledge to real-world problems. He believed that universities should not only focus on intellectual development but also on social development. According to Dewey, universities should be a place where students learn to be engaged citizens and contribute positively to society.
Martha Nussbaum
Martha Nussbaum, a contemporary philosopher, believes that universities should be a place for cultivating critical thinking and creativity. Nussbaum argues that universities should not only provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce, but also with the intellectual tools they need to be engaged citizens who can think critically and creatively. Nussbaum also believes that universities should be a place where diversity is celebrated and differences are respected.
Robert Maynard Hutchins
Robert Maynard Hutchins, a 20th-century thinker, believed that universities should be completely reformed. Hutchins argued that the current system of higher education was too focused on vocational training and not enough on intellectual development. He believed that universities should be a place where students could engage in intellectual inquiry and explore a wide range of subjects. According to Hutchins, universities should be a place where students learn to think critically and develop a love for learning.
Stanley Fish
Stanley Fish, a contemporary literary theorist, has a unique perspective on the place of universities in society. Fish argues that universities should not be trying to serve society or create engaged citizens, but rather should focus on providing a high-quality education for their students. He criticizes what he calls "boutique multiculturalism," the idea that universities should celebrate diversity and teach students to be tolerant and accepting of different cultures. Fish argues that this approach fails to provide students with a solid grounding in the liberal arts and instead encourages them to focus on their own individual experiences and identities.