Shifting Ideals in Higher Education

Authors

Frederick F. Ritsch, Converse College

Abstract

If a controlled equalitarian democracy is a real or even a present danger in higher education, then those in the academic professions should move now to at least clarify the meaning of a higher education. This could mean a much greater vigilance with regard to what is included under the heading of a university degree; it should certainly mean reconsideration of some areas which now receive higher education validation. It would mean our classrooms be less concerned with reinforcing the immediate than with the identification and elaboration of new and more productive modes of living. It would demand that higher education assert an exclusiveness in a democratic society-the exclusiveness of not having to conform blindly to "officially" recognized or prevailing social and political views. No doubt this would lead to charges of elitism, but the essence of higher education in a democracy must be adherence to the standards of free inquiry, and to an open door policy for all who would devote themselves to meeting these standards in order that our democratic society not root itself in the present but be a constantly transcending entity.

Recommended Citation

Ritsch, Frederick F. (1973) "Shifting Ideals in Higher Education," Perspectives (1969-1979): Vol. 5: No. 2, Article 2.
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/perspectives/vol5/iss2/2