How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy And Impoverished The Souls Of Today

Higher education, once seen as a beacon of enlightenment and progress, has come under scrutiny in recent times. It is no longer a secret that the system has failed to fulfill its promises, leaving many graduates disillusioned and burdened with debt. But the consequences go beyond financial strain. In this article, we will explore how higher education has failed democracy and impoverished the souls of today, leaving us to question the purpose and meaning of education in our society.

The Commercialization of Education

One of the biggest culprits in the failure of higher education is the rampant commercialization that has taken over the system. Universities, driven by financial motives, prioritize profit over the pursuit of knowledge. As a result, education has become a commodity, with students seen as customers rather than learners.

This commercialization has led to a decline in academic standards. Universities are under pressure to attract more students and generate revenue, often sacrificing the quality of education in the process. This not only affects the value of the degrees students receive but also hampers their ability to think critically and engage in meaningful discourse.

Closing of the American Mind: How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today's Students

by Allan Bloom (Reissue Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1826 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	406 pages

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The Decline of Humanities

Another aspect of higher education's failure is the marginalization of humanities subjects. As society becomes increasingly focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, the study of literature, philosophy, and the arts has been pushed aside. This shift has consequences for democracy and the development of well-rounded individuals.

The humanities play a crucial role in fostering empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the human experience. By neglecting these subjects, we are depriving students of the tools necessary to navigate complex social, ethical, and political issues. As a result, our democracy suffers, as citizens lack the ability to engage in informed and meaningful discussions.

The Cost of Education and Inequality

Perhaps the most talked-about issue in higher education is the skyrocketing cost of tuition fees. As education becomes more expensive, it becomes less accessible to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This perpetuates inequality and further polarizes society.

When education is viewed as a privilege rather than a right, it erodes the foundation of democracy. It creates a two-tier society, where opportunities are reserved for the wealthy elite and the rest are left behind. This undermines the principles of equal opportunity and social mobility that are essential for a healthy democracy.

A Shift in Priorities

In order to address these failures, a shift in priorities is necessary. Higher education needs to reclaim its purpose of nurturing intellectual growth and promoting the common good. This means prioritizing academic rigor over financial gain and valuing the humanities as much as STEM fields.

Additionally, there must be a fundamental change in the way education is funded. Making education affordable and accessible to all should be a priority, regardless of socioeconomic background. This requires government intervention, as well as a reimagining of how we value and invest in education as a society.

The Way Forward

While the current state of higher education may seem bleak, it is not without hope. There are educators, students, and activists who are working towards a more equitable and enriching system.

Universities that prioritize critical thinking, interdisciplinary studies, and community engagement are leading the way. Initiatives such as open-source textbooks, online courses, and alternative educational models also offer possibilities for disrupting the current system.

As citizens, we must demand change and hold our educational institutions accountable. By actively participating in the conversation about the purpose and direction of higher education, we can contribute to a more democratic and soul-enriching future.

Higher education has failed democracy and impoverished the souls of today. The commercialization of education, the decline of humanities, and the rising cost of education have all contributed to this failure. However, by shifting priorities, valuing intellectual growth over financial gain, and ensuring accessibility for all, we can begin to mend the broken system.

Ultimately, the purpose of education should be to cultivate compassionate, engaged citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society. It's time to reclaim the true essence of higher education and revive it as a force for positive change.

Closing of the American Mind: How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today's Students

by Allan Bloom (Reissue Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1826 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	406 pages

FREE

The Closing of the American Mind, a publishing phenomenon in hardcover, is now a paperback literary event. In this acclaimed number one national best-seller, one of our country's most distinguished political philosophers argues that the social/political crisis of 20th-century America is really an intellectual crisis. Allan Bloom's sweeping analysis is essential to understanding America today. It has fired the imagination of a public ripe for change.