A.C. Grayling on higher education
‘Aristotle said we educate ourselves so we can make a noble use of our leisure.‘
Published 2 September 2016
Renowned philosopher and author, Professor A.C. Grayling, is the guest on this episode of The Policy Shop podcast.
Higher education is the focus of the discussion between University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis and Professor Grayling, who is also the Master of the New College of Humanities, which he established in London in 2011.
“University students say university education should be free. Somebody has to pay for it, who is it? The taxpayer. Who are the taxpayers? The chap who drives your local bus, the person who sweeps up in the hospital, and everybody else, so why are they paying for you to get an advantage in life?’’ says Professor Grayling.
“Why are they paying so you can earn more than them eventually? That argument is quite hard to rebut.’’
Said Professor Davis: “I still worry though, that leaders of institutions, you and I and our colleagues, will be seen in retrospect of letting down the next generation because we have given up the fight for affordable public education.”
Higher education fees were just one part of this discussion. The search for the best education curriculum and experience, the role of academics, debate on campus and the role of philosophy in public policy were also among the talking points in this, the 11th episode of The Policy Shop podcast.
Hosted by Professor Davis, The Policy Shop is a podcast about public policy and the way it affects Australia and the world. Follow the Policy Shop on Twitter for further episode updates and Subscribe on iTunes.
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