Philosophers on the University: Reconsidering Higher Education

This book explores the importance of philosophical thinking in understanding the university and higher education. It builds on the historical literature on the idea of the university and provides accessible introductions to the thinking of key philosophers and thinkers, highlighting the resources available in the philosophical literature to help in working through issues in the higher education debate. Each chapter focuses on an individual thinker, offering insights into their thinking and showing how it can contribute to understanding the university and higher education. The editors provide a comprehensive introduction that sets the stage for the reader. The book is a valuable contribution to the debate about higher education and the university, offering a philosophical perspective that goes beyond the contemporary focus on metrics and managerialism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 213 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the profound significance of the thinking of philosophers and other key thinkers in understanding the university and higher education. Through extensive exploration, it not only broadens but also significantly contributes to the emerging philosophy of higher education. Building upon the rich historical literature on the concept of the university, it offers accessible introductions to the ideas of key philosophers and thinkers, thereby alerting higher education scholars to a wealth of literature that might otherwise remain overlooked.

Until recently, the debate on higher education, both in the public sphere and in scholarly literature, has largely ignored the philosophical literature. This is surprising for two reasons. Firstly, a significant portion of the historical literature on the idea of the university, spanning over two hundred years, has been authored by philosophers, and their insights have largely been overlooked. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, many of the issues at the forefront of the higher education debate are inherently philosophical, requiring thoughtful reflection. The philosophical literature provides a vast reservoir of insights that can aid in navigating these complex issues. Issues such as the definition of knowledge in the university, wisdom, voice, democracy, culture, the essence of being a student or academic, academic freedom, communication, work, and disciplinarity urgently demand the kind of insights that the philosophical literature, broadly understood, can offer.

This book aims to fulfill this purpose, showcasing how the work of key thinkers can enrich and deepen the higher education debate. Each chapter focuses on a specific thinker, providing both an insightful portrait of the individual and an accessible exploration of their ideas. By delving into the thought of these influential figures, the book offers valuable insights into the broader philosophical landscape and its potential applications to the realm of higher education. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and policymakers seeking to navigate the complexities and challenges of this field.

Weight: 355g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030310639
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020