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Book Cover
E-book
Author Schwehn, Mark R., 1945-

Title Exiles from Eden : religion and the academic vocation in America / Mark R. Schwehn
Published New York : Oxford University Press, 1993

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Description 1 online resource (xiv, 143 pages)
Summary In this thoughful and literate essay, Mark Schwehn argues that Max Weber and his contemporaries led higher education astray by stressing research - the making and transmitting of knowledge - at the expense of teaching moral character. Schwehn sees an urgent need for a changed orientation and calls for a "spiritually grounded education in and for thoughtfulness." Schwehn's reforms would replace individualist behaviour, the "doing my own work" syndrome derived from the Enlightenment, with a communitarian ethic grounded in Judeo-Christian spirituality. Acceptance of this "spiritual ethic" would lead scholars to show humility before their texts, trust in their colleagues' research, self-denial and openness to changing one's mind, and charity towards their students and colleagues. Schwehn examines misguided philosophies of higher education from Weber and Henry Adams to Derek Bok, Allan Bloom and William G. Perry, Jr. He draws out valid insights, always showing the theological underpinnings of the so-called secular thinkers. He emphasizes the importance of community, drawing on both the secular communitarian theory of Richard Rorty and that of the Christian theorist Parker Palmer.; Finally he outlines his own prescription for a classroom-centered spiritual community of scholars. Schwehn's analysis should be of interest to all who care about higher education in America today: faculty, students, parents, alumi, administrators, trustees, and foundation officers
Analysis Higher education institutions Teaching
United States
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and index
Notes Print version record
Subject College teachers -- United States -- Intellectual life
Universities and colleges -- United States -- Religion
College teaching -- United States -- Philosophy
Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- United States
EDUCATION -- Higher.
College teachers -- Intellectual life
College teaching -- Philosophy
Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives
Universities and colleges -- Religion
Godsdienst.
Wetenschappelijk onderwijs.
Arbeidsethos.
United States
Form Electronic book
ISBN 1429407549
9781429407540
9780195073430
0195073436
128052605X
9781280526053