by Robert M. Woods

Russell Kirk

If one is considering the value of a Liberal Arts education on the high school or college level, it would be most helpful to articulate exactly what a liberal arts education really is or should be. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Among the very fine explanations of what a Liberal Arts education is and should be, Russell Kirk’s The Conservative Purpose of a Liberal Education is to be considered. In truth, if adhered to, this little essay may go a long way in helping us avoid the way of Babel Technical Institute.With all the noise of recent months in the media about getting rid of Liberal Arts at certain colleges and universities in place of more “practical,” or as the ancients would have classified it, “technical training for slaves,” there comes a time to respond. But we begin with a defense of the barbarian position for a moment. Much of what passes in the name of Liberal Arts should be banished as it was never worthy of study. While one may enjoy the longest running animated series in television history, it really is not worthy of deep attention and three hours university credit. Or one may be obsessed with the most recent academic fad and desire to get a major in it through the “Liberal Arts Dept.” I fear to mention one as tomorrow it will likely be different. Actually, it will likely be different in fifteen minutes. [Read more...]