A larger sense of purpose : higher education and society /

Former Princeton and University of Michigan president Shapiro (currently, economics and public affairs, Princeton) has written a work of loosely connected chapters on the purpose of higher education in the US. Originally delivered as the 2003 Clark Kerr Lectures in honor of the former president of the University of California system, these four essays argue that institutions of higher education, especially major research universities, have a duty to connect to the larger society beyond the ivory tower. Much of what Shapiro says revisits insights provided in earlier thought pieces by university presidents, such as Richard Levin's The Work of the University (2003) and Neil Rudenstine's Pointing Our Thoughts (2001). Nonetheless, the author's spirited defense of the university as both the servant and critic of society is especially well argued and illuminating. Shapiro also strongly urges the university to make sure its students learn that ambiguity and nuance mark the moral world. Finally, his attack on the notion of a single, unchanging "human nature," as opposed to multiple and historically grounded human natures, will be provocative. Generally well written and thoughtful, this book will be an important, useful addition to most major public and university libraries. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. A. O. Edmonds Ball State University