Erosion of University values: Thorstein Veblen
Thorstein Veblen, an influential American economist and sociologist, critiqued higher education in America in his work, particularly in "The Higher Learning in America" (1918). Veblen argued that American universities were becoming increasingly influenced by commercial interests and were more focused on vocational training rather than genuine intellectual development. He believed that this shift undermined the traditional values of higher education, which should prioritize critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. Veblen also critiqued the social dynamics within universities, suggesting that they often served the interests of the elite and perpetuated social stratification. He was concerned that the focus on practicality and utility in education would lead to a decline in scholarly standards and intellectual rigor. Overall, Veblen's perspective highlighted the tensions between education as a means of personal and societal advancement and the commerc...