Academic Freedom in the Age of the College Book Reviews

Academic Freedom in the Age of the College by Richard Hofstadter Book Summary

When this classic volume first appeared, academic freedom was a crucially important issue. It is equally so today. Hofstadter approaches the topic historically, showing how events from various historical epochs expose the degree of freedom in academic institutions. The volume exemplifies Richard Hofstader's qualities as a historian as well as his characteristic narrative ability. Hofstadter first describes the medieval university and how its political independence evolved from its status as a corporate body, establishing a precedent for intellectual freedom that has been a measuring rod ever since. He shows how all intellectual discourse became polarized with the onset of the Reformation. The gradual spread of the Moderate Enlightenment in the colonies led to a major advance for intellectual freedom. But with the beginning of the nineteenth century the rise of denominationalism in both new and established colleges reversed the progress, and the secularization of learning became engulfed by a tidal wave of intensifying piety. Roger L. Geiger's extensive new introduction evaluates Hofstadter's career as a historian and political theorist, his interest in academic freedom, and the continuing significance of Academic Freedom in the Age of the College. While most works about higher education treat the subject only as an agent of social economic mobility, Academic Freedom in the Age of the College is an enduring counterweight to such histories as it examines a more pressing issue: the fact that colleges and universities, at their best, should foster ideas at the frontiers of knowledge and understanding. This classic text will be invaluable to educators, university administrators, sociologist, and historians.

👋 Do you love Academic Freedom in the Age of the College books? Please share your friends!

Academic Freedom in the Age of the College (Richard Hofstadter) Book Reviews 2024

Richard Hofstadter - Academic Freedom in the Age of the College Discussions & Comments

Have you read this book yet? What do you think about Academic Freedom in the Age of the College by Richard Hofstadter book? Ask the bookpedia.co community a question about Academic Freedom in the Age of the College!