Crisis In The Humanities - J.H Plumb

Since the Middle Ages the humanities have held a central and unchallenged position in every university, as if by divine right. Today the scope and purpose of universities have been profoundly altered by the rapid extension of scientific and technical studies. Science has become, if not king, at least joint-consul. Hence the state of crisis in all the humanities.

The manner in which the older faculties, if they are to remain a living and positive force in society, must adapt themselves to the new reality is discussed in this book in a series of challenging essays by prominent university men. Under the editorship of J. H. Plumb eight contributors who are well known in their own fields of learning and who are actively engaged in university education examine successively the present crises in classics, history, philosophy, divinity, literature, fine arts, sociology, and economics.

(A supplementary chapter covers the teaching of the humanities in schools.) At a time when all aspects of education are under urgent review, this symposium makes a useful contri-bution in an important but complex area. Cover design by Keith Cunningham