The Role Of A University And Its Invincibility And Mystique
The university throughout the world does today what Greek philosophers were doing since the rise of Greek Civilization 500 BC
. That is, it dispenses learning at the highest level in all branches of philosophy, science, and human knowledge generally. The antiquity of the origins of the university as a functioning entity; the nature of its task and the execution thereof; the composition of its members; the repute gained from the high level studies and teaching; the authority it enjoys; to teach, to examine and to certify is for the essence of university alone.
Above all the body of tradition, custom and usage accumulated over the centuries ever since Plato taught his followers in the garden of Akadeimos in Greece over around 500 BC have invested the idea of the university with particular character of dignity and excellence, as an exclusive comraderie of the learned. And even the youngest university, once founded and constituted, immediately shares in this rich heritage of recognition and respect by common consent, been universally accorded.
A university is therefore not only a functional institution with a discrete and definite task, dependent on material means and methods to pursue its wordly purpose. That is only one feature of a university.
The true essence of a university though, is the invisible, inner, essential character that resides in its impalpable academic mystique: that immanence (not easily defined but capable of apprehension by the sensitive and perceptive mind) which invests the university with its particular charismatic quality, and inheres in the secluded peace of halls and cloisters, in the scent and feel of books and rare manuscripts, the calm deliberations of great minds, the quiet assurance of integrity and mastery in the search for ultimate truths which is the real essence and soul of the university, which is also the idea of the university.
The external manifestation of this invisible and essential quality is displayed most clearly in the pomp and circumstances of the universiys ceremonial occassions such as graduation ceremony the confering of degrees, the splendour and livery of its induna academics as they enter the graduation hall in style with their pompous gowns and hoods that aroses wonder; a concrete demonstration of grandeur that is so impressive moving you to wonder with great admiration.
The university's role in society can be describes as follows;
It meets the learning needs and aspirations of individuals through the development of their intellectual abilities and aptitudes. A university equips individuals to make the best use of their talents and of the opportunities offered by society for self-fulfillment.
A university provides the labour market, in a knowledge-driven and knowledge-dependent society, with the high-level competencies and expertise necessary for the growth and prosperity of a modern economy. It teaches and trains people to fulfil specialized social functions, enter the learned professions, or pursue vocations in administration, trade, industry and the arts.
A university is responsible for the socialisation of enlightened, responsible and constructively critical citizens. Citizenship of this nature presupposes a commitment to the common good, but it also implies a reflective capacity and a willingness to review and renew prevailing ideas, policies and practices.
A university is directly engaged in the creation, transmission and evaluation of knowledge. Its purpose is to ensure the continued pursuit of academic scholarship and intellectual inquiry in all fields of human understanding, through research and teaching.
Read the complete article tracking the university throughout the western tradition back into the Greek Civilization on the website I edit. check it below...
by: Dr Chris Kanyane
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