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The Concept of a University: Theory, Practice, and Society
In: Danish Yearbook of PhilosophyCurrent disputes over the nature and purpose of the university are rooted in a philosophical divide between theory and practice. Academics often defend the concept of a university devoted to purely theoretical activities. Politicians and wider society tend to argue that the university should take on more practical concerns. I critique two typical defenses of the theoretical concept—one historical and one based on the value of pure research—and show that neither the theoretical nor the practical concept of a university accommodates all the important goals expected of university research and teaching. Using the classical pragmatist argument against a sharp division between theory and practice, I show how we can move beyond the debate between the theoretical and practical concepts of a university, while maintaining a place for pure and applied research, liberal and vocational education, and social impact through both economic applications and criticism aimed at promoting social justice.
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| All Time | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 727 | 161 | 44 |
| Full Text Views | 29 | 11 | 6 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 33 | 17 | 7 |
The Concept of a University: Theory, Practice, and Society
In: Danish Yearbook of PhilosophyCurrent disputes over the nature and purpose of the university are rooted in a philosophical divide between theory and practice. Academics often defend the concept of a university devoted to purely theoretical activities. Politicians and wider society tend to argue that the university should take on more practical concerns. I critique two typical defenses of the theoretical concept—one historical and one based on the value of pure research—and show that neither the theoretical nor the practical concept of a university accommodates all the important goals expected of university research and teaching. Using the classical pragmatist argument against a sharp division between theory and practice, I show how we can move beyond the debate between the theoretical and practical concepts of a university, while maintaining a place for pure and applied research, liberal and vocational education, and social impact through both economic applications and criticism aimed at promoting social justice.
| All Time | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 727 | 161 | 44 |
| Full Text Views | 29 | 11 | 6 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 33 | 17 | 7 |