Take control of the education system!

Take control of the education system!

Article: André Gorz’s Call to “Destroy the University”

André Gorz, in his essay “Destroy the University” published in Les Temps Modernes, presented a radical critique of the university system. Gorz argued that the university, as an institution, is fundamentally flawed and cannot be reformed. He highlighted the social and technical division of labor as a key aspect of the crisis within the university.

Gorz’s essay, written over five decades ago, remains relevant today, especially in the context of current student demonstrations and debates around the future of work. His ideas on ecological politics and the role of education in societal change continue to resonate with contemporary discussions.

FAQs:

1. Why did André Gorz advocate for the destruction of the university?

Gorz believed that the university, as it existed, was unsustainable and incapable of fulfilling its stated goals. He argued that reforms were illusory and that the crisis within the university system extended beyond academia to the broader social structure.

2. What were the key contradictions identified by Gorz within the university system?

Gorz highlighted contradictions related to social selection, the right to study, and the linkage between education and social promotion. He pointed out how the increasing number of graduates devalued diplomas and raised questions about the purpose of higher education.

3. How did Gorz’s ideas intersect with political ecology and student activism?

Gorz’s thoughts on self-limitation as a social project and the redefinition of work and leisure time resonate with discussions in political ecology. His emphasis on disposable time and activities valued as ends in themselves aligns with the idea of reimagining education beyond mere credentialing.

Conclusion:

André Gorz’s call to “destroy the university” challenges us to rethink the purpose and structure of higher education. His critique of the university system as a tool of social stratification and economic exploitation remains thought-provoking. As we navigate debates around education reform and ecological sustainability, Gorz’s ideas offer a valuable framework for reimagining the role of universities in shaping a more equitable and environmentally conscious society.

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