Inside the tower

In the current dispute over the future of liberal arts education between the governor and his detractors, there is a middle ground that few seem to recognize.

A strong liberal arts foundation is essential for any successful modern life – even that of an engineer. Unfortunately, however, many institutions of higher education are just not providing that today. The traditional disciplines are disrespected, and curricula are disjointed and uneven.

Too many faculty are uncomfortable outside the narrow slice of a single field in which they conduct their research. A few believe their jobs are to indoctrinate rather than educate and to trash American civilization rather than truly understand it.

Andrew Taylor

Professor of political science, N.C. State

Cary