Who Would Like This Book:
What makes this book stand out is its passionate defense of liberal education and its critique of how universities have (in Bloom's view) lost their way. If you love philosophy, the humanities, or have strong feelings about the direction of higher education, you’ll find this thought-provoking - even if you disagree! Bloom’s encyclopedic knowledge of Western philosophy and engaging prose make big, complex ideas surprisingly accessible. It's especially eye-opening for readers curious about the 'culture wars' or how the 1960s and beyond shaped American academia. Great for those interested in intellectual history, cultural commentary, or a provocative challenge to current university trends.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers find Bloom’s tone elitist or overly curmudgeonly, with plenty of 'back in my day' grumbling about modern youth, rock music, and campus politics. The book can be dense, meandering, and heavy on philosophical name-dropping - so if you want something concise or lack patience for academic navel-gazing, this may try yours. Its conservative slant can also feel off-putting or out of touch to progressive readers, and some critiques about culture and education feel dated or exaggerated today. Lastly, those looking for nuanced discussions of race, gender, or modern diversity issues may be disappointed by how these topics are handled.
About:
Allan Bloom's 'The Closing of the American Mind' is a thought-provoking exploration of the crisis in American education, focusing on the decline of intellectual standards and the rise of relativism in universities. Bloom passionately argues for a return to liberal arts education and the study of classic texts to cultivate a love of truth and a passion for living a good life. Through his critical analysis, Bloom delves into the evolution of the university system, the purpose of education, and the importance of philosophy in shaping a meaningful life.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings may include discussions on controversial topics such as sexuality, cultural values, and critiques of various social movements, which could be sensitive for some readers.
From The Publisher:
THE BRILLIANT AND CONTROVERSIAL CRITIQUE OF AMERICAN CULTURE WITH NEARLY A MILLION COPIES IN PRINT
In 1987, eminent political philosopher Allan Bloom published The Closing of the American Mind, an appraisal of contemporary America that "hits with the approximate force and effect of electroshock therapy" (The New York Times) and has not only been vindicated, but has also become more urgent today. In clear, spirited prose, Bloom argues that the social and political crises of contemporary America are part of a larger intellectual crisis: the result of a dangerous narrowing of curiosity and exploration by the university elites.
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The Closing of the American Mind?
About the Author:
Allan Bloom was Professor in the Committee on Social Thought and the College and co-director of the John M. Olin Center for Inquiry into the Theory and Practice of Democracy at the University of Chicago. He taught at Yale, University of Paris, University of Toronto, Tel Aviv University, and Cornell, where he was the recipient of the Clark Teaching Award in 1967. He died in 1992.
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