Title: The Closing of the American Mind: How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today’s Students
Author: Allan Bloom
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: 01/01/1987
ASIN: 0671479903
Read BookBook Description:
The Crisis of American Higher Education
The Closing of the American Mind: How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today’s Students by Allan Bloom examines the state of American education, culture, and intellectual life. First published in 1987, the book became an influential critique of higher education and the decline of traditional liberal education.
Bloom argues that American universities have moved away from the study of classic texts and foundational ideas. Instead, he focuses on the rise of moral relativism and its influence on students. Moreover, he examines how these changes affect critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and the search for truth. As a result, the book raises important questions about the purpose of education.
Education, Relativism, and Intellectual Freedom
Throughout the book, Bloom examines the changing attitudes of American students and universities. He argues that many students enter higher education without a strong foundation in history, philosophy, literature, and Western intellectual traditions. In addition, he explores the influence of popular culture and changing social values on education. Consequently, Bloom connects these developments to broader changes in American society.
However, the book is not limited to education policy. Bloom also explores major philosophical ideas from thinkers such as Plato, Nietzsche, Locke, and Rousseau. Furthermore, he examines the relationship between individual freedom, democracy, culture, and the pursuit of knowledge. Therefore, the book presents a wide-ranging discussion of philosophy and American intellectual life.
Why Read The Closing of the American Mind?
By combining philosophical analysis with observations about American education and culture, Allan Bloom offers a challenging examination of intellectual life in the United States. Additionally, the book encourages readers to consider the role of universities in developing thoughtful and informed citizens. The Closing of the American Mind is an excellent resource for readers interested in higher education, philosophy, American culture, political thought, and liberal education. Finally, its arguments continue to encourage debate about knowledge, intellectual freedom, and the purpose of education.
The Closing of the American Mind: How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today’s Students is featured in The Commandant’s Reading List: Strategy (Part 3), alongside other recommended books on strategy and military thought.
The Commandant’s Reading List: Strategy (Part 3)