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Revisiting The Classical German Idea of the University (On the
Nationalization of the Modern Institution)
Marek Kwiek
Adam Mickiewicz
University, Poznań
Abstract.
The aim of the paper is to provide a philosophical
and historical background to current discussions about the changing
relationships between the university and the state through revisiting
the classical “Humboldtian” model of the university as discussed in
classical German philosophy. This historical detour is intended to
highlight the cultural rootedness of the modern idea of the university,
and its close links to the idea of the modern national state. The paper
discusses the idea of the university as it emerges from the philosophy
of Wilhelm von Humbold, Johann Gottlieb Fichte and Friedrich
Schleiermacher, as well as – in the 20th century – Karl
Jaspers and Jürgen Habermas. More detailed questions discussed include
the historical pact between the modern university and the modern
nation-state, the main principles of the Humboldtian university, the
process of the nationalization of European universities, the national
aspect of the German idea of culture (Bildung), and the tension
between the pursuit of truth and public responsibilities of the modern
university. In discussing current
and future missions and roles of the institution of the university
today, it can be useful to revisit its foundational (modern) German
idea. In thinking about its future, it can be constructive to reflect on
the evident current tensions between traditional modern expectations of
the university and the new expectations intensified by the emergence of
knowledge-based societies and market-driven economies. From the
perspective of the tensions between old and new tasks of the university,
it is useful to look back at the turning point in its history.
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