Chapter 19: Academic Man

Academic freedom and the raised status of the professor made its way with the increased importance of knowledge communities and specialization, along with the hierarchical organization of academic societies. Rudolph says that the hierarchical structure that emerged was necessary in order for academic freedom to persist. Yet this organization is what hindered some freedoms in the academic community. The raised status of the PhD created intellectual tensions and the need to "publish or perish" meant that perception and credibility was key. This took attention away from teaching and more into research. Although intellectual discoveries would be beneficial to the image of the university, a diminished emphasis on teaching defeats the purpose of higher education, to effectively educate the next generation.

Of course, without these great advances brought about by the liberal and research universities, society would also be at a disadvantage. In the late 19th century, many great discoveries were at odds with traditional beliefs and could cause a professor to lose his position. The rise of the idea of the academic man meant that these discoveries, whether right or wrong, would be accepted as man's attempt to defeat ignorance. These academic freedoms which we take for granted today, many men (and women, although not discussed in this chapter) fought for at the risk of unemployment. Yet the reality is that just because we are privileged with the right to free speech and thought, bureaucratic agencies in education may force academics to choose one research endeavors over another, just because it is more profitable or will carry greater esteem. Academia is not quite free when special interests and professional self interest exist. How do we strike a balance?