Liberal Education and the Public Interest »

In 1996 James Freedman published Idealism and Liberal Education, which discussed the ideals that shaped his life as an intellectual, a law professor, and a college and university president. In this new collection of essays, he convincingly explores his firm belief that a liberal education is the “surest instrument yet devised for developing those civilizing qualities of mind and character that enable men and women to lead satisfying lives and to make significant contributions to a democratic society.”

Freedman concentrates directly upon the problems facing university presidents and all university administrators. A passionate and beautifully written argument for the benefits of a liberal education, this book

Library Journal

Most of today's college students set their sights on a specialized field of study instead of using their college years to broaden their minds-a big mistake, claims Freedman, a former president of Dartmouth College and author of Idealism and Liberal Education. Freedman presents seven essays on varied topics, including higher education's contributions to society, the value of intellectuals to democracy, the importance of risking political and social disfavor to defend important principles, and, most significantly, the importance of preserving a true liberal education, demonstrating how it nurtures independent thinking and is vital to a strong, democratic society. The chapter "Celebrating Intellectuals" concentrates on four books that stress the role of intellectuals in providing a more democratic citizenry, while "Appraising Significant Lives" discusses role models who have encouraged and inspired students. Best suited to administrators in higher education, this is an alternative purchase for academic libraries.-Terry Christner, Hutchinson P.L., KS Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.