Regarding Martin's question about the nature of University employment.
John Stuart Mill: "The proper function of an University (is) not ... to
teach the knowledge required to fit men for some special mode of gaining
their livelihood. Their object is not to make skilled lawyers, or
physicians, or engineers, but capable and cultivated human beings. Men
are men before they are lawyers, or physicians, or merchants, or
manufacturers; and if you make them capable and sensible people, they
will make themselves capable and sensible lawyers or physicians. What
professionals should carry away with them from an University, is not
professional knowledge, but that which should direct the use of their
professional knowledge, and bring the light of general culture to
illuminate the technicalities of a special pursuit. People may be
competent lawyers without general education, but it depends on general
education to make them philosophic lawyers -- who demand, and are
capable of apprehending, principles, instead of merely cramming their
memory with details. And so of all other useful pursuits, mechanical
included. Education makes one a more intelligent shoemaker, if that be
your occupation, but not by teaching you how to make shoes; it does so
by the mental exercise it gives, and the habits it impresses."
--
Michael Perelman
Economics Department
California State University
Chico, CA 95929
Tel. 530-898-5321
E-Mail [EMAIL PROTECTED]
