Rethinking College Education (Studies in Government and Public) - Hardcover

"Allan tackles the malaise of higher education and offers a surprising diagnosis. In an open, accessible, even conversational style, he lays bare an ancient though thoroughly relevant view of the essence of higher education. The ideal he presents is shimmeringly clear and permanently attractive. His book is likely to create a stir and to refocus the debate about the purpose of higher education."--John Lachs, author of The Relevance of Philosophy to Life"Allan is a well-published and senior philosopher, experienced in educating, and a puckish prose writer. This book, head-and-shoulders above the typical academic administrator's writing, sets new standards."--D. Bob Gowin, author of Learning How to Learn "A very clever book."--Philosophy in Review"Not the usual book on higher education reform, this is a thoughtful philosophical discussion of the nature of American collegiate education. An original and at times stimulating discussion of philosophical approaches to liberal education. Allan is very much a traditionalist, and his book is a good argument for liberal education."--Choice

According to philosopher and educator George Allan, what is most important about a college education is not what students are taught but whether they learn the moral practices that determine how they can best acquire and evaluate knowledge, how they may best conduct their lives, and how they can become responsible individuals - practices that cannot be taught but can only be learned in an environment that encourages imaginative play and open-ended dialogue. The most important thing colleges can offer young people, claims Allan, is a place to converse: to learn the skills of cultured intercourse and not just the means to earn a living.