NSmolenskiFan on Nostr: I like when people clearly state what their assumptions are so that those assumptions ...
I like when people clearly state what their assumptions are so that those assumptions can be directly engaged.
The purpose of the University has been much-debated. I’ve thought and written a lot about it myself. Some believe Universities are more about character formation; others believe Universities are only valuable if they teach directly marketable skills. These two purposes are often in tension, if not opposed.
But at the end of the day, the simplest and most challenging purpose of the University is the search for truth. Seeking truth is what differentiates the University from a vocational program, or a finishing school, or a “prep” school for whatever social roles students will go on to play.
Seeking truth is a character disposition and a set of skills, but it doesn’t translate neatly onto a resume, and it will not “get you a job”—in the academy or anywhere else.
The world of Diogenes and the world of Alexander are not the same. One is not better or worse than the other, but a lot of confusion and heartache can be avoided if we explain to young people that the time they spend learning is not a liquid asset that they can just convert at will into employment or salary.
Truth is either its own reward for you, or it isn’t. If it isn’t, the University (at its best) is not the institution for you.
The purpose of the University has been much-debated. I’ve thought and written a lot about it myself. Some believe Universities are more about character formation; others believe Universities are only valuable if they teach directly marketable skills. These two purposes are often in tension, if not opposed.
But at the end of the day, the simplest and most challenging purpose of the University is the search for truth. Seeking truth is what differentiates the University from a vocational program, or a finishing school, or a “prep” school for whatever social roles students will go on to play.
Seeking truth is a character disposition and a set of skills, but it doesn’t translate neatly onto a resume, and it will not “get you a job”—in the academy or anywhere else.
The world of Diogenes and the world of Alexander are not the same. One is not better or worse than the other, but a lot of confusion and heartache can be avoided if we explain to young people that the time they spend learning is not a liquid asset that they can just convert at will into employment or salary.
Truth is either its own reward for you, or it isn’t. If it isn’t, the University (at its best) is not the institution for you.