Exchange of Ideas: The Economy of Higher Education in Early America

Exchange of Ideas is the first volume of an ambitious new economic history of American higher education. It explains how knowledge became a commodity, and American colleges were drawn into transatlantic commercial relations. It raises questions about how we understand knowledge and education as commercial goods, who should pay for them, and what the optimal system of higher education is in a capitalist democracy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Exchange of Ideas, a groundbreaking new economic history of American higher education, delves into the transformative era of the early republic. Authored by Adam R. Nelson, this volume explores how knowledge itself transformed into a commodity, as valuable ideas became marketable goods, and American colleges became entangled in transatlantic commercial relations. American scholars once believed that higher education could exist beyond the realm of market dynamics, envisioning an intellectual exchange that transcended mere consumerism. However, by the late 18th century, they had come to realize that ideas could be incorporated into the nation's balance of trade. Furthermore, they recognized the crucial role of colleges in managing the intricate process of pricing and acquiring knowledge.

Nelson's work uncovers a profound interconnectedness between the history of capitalism and higher education, raising a series of crucial and pressing questions. How do we perceive knowledge and education as commercial goods? Who should bear the cost of these valuable resources? And, ultimately, what is the ideal system of higher education in a capitalist democracy?

Through meticulous research and analysis, Exchange of Ideas offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the complex dynamics between education, economics, and society. It challenges readers to reevaluate their assumptions about the role of higher education in a capitalist society and provides valuable insights into the future of this critical institution. This book is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the evolving landscape of American higher education.

Weight: 706g
Dimension: 161 x 237 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226828497