Academic Freedom and Tenure - (Issues in Academic Ethics) by Richard DeGeorge (Paperback)

About the Book

Academic freedom and tenure, both cherished institutions of higher education, are currently under attack by many both outside and within the academy. Richard DeGeorge argues that they can be defended on ethical grounds only if they are joined with appropriate accountability, p...

Book Synopsis

Academic freedom and tenure, both cherished institutions of higher education, are currently under attack by many both outside and within the academy. Richard DeGeorge argues that they can be defended on ethical grounds only if they are joined with appropriate accountability, publicly articulated and defended standards, and conscientious enforcement of these standards by academic institutions and the members of the academic community.

Review Quotes

Academic Freedom and Tenure: Ethical Issues is an excellent resource to help imbue in future members of the profession a sense of the academic culture that cuts across disciplinary lines. . . . A thoughtful analysis.

A much needed, sensible, in places even eloquent defense of academic freedom and tenure. DeGeorge's balanced judgment and the excellent readings make the book a treasure.

A timely and lucid account of academic freedom and tenure is a 'must read' for all faculty, administrators, and trustees. At a time when tenure is under attack from many quarters and is all too often poorly defended by its champions, DeGeorge makes a compelling case for academic tenure and for taking seriously the responsibilities that tenure entails.

Addressing all the new arguments as well as the old, De George provides clear and convincing justification for academic tenure as a crucial bulwark for academic freedom and thus a benefit to society as a whole. Tenure carries with it not only privileges but also responsibilities. DeGeorge reminds us, and his treatment of the ethical aspects of the system is particularly useful.

Explores the current controversies over academic tenure in a scholarly way, focusing particularly on the ethical responsibilities of tenured faculty and the social benefits of academic freedom. Legislators, trustees, faculty and administrators will all be well served by this book.

Professor De George provides a thorough, balanced, and ultimately convincing defense of the tenure status quo, while identifying some areas of concern and making suggestions for improvement.

The reasoning is close, distinctions are crisp, and opposing views are summarized and answered. All research university faculty and academic affairs administrators should read this ethicist's look at academe's most cherished institution.

What DeGeorge has provided is a moral road map useful for exploring the ethical issues surrounding academic freedom and tenure. . . . DeGeorge, and the authors of other books in this series, challenge us to exercise our philosophical prowess in the examination of our own practice. It is a challenge we ought to meet.

About the Author

Richard DeGeorge is University Distinguished Professor in Philosophy at the University of Kansas and the author of Business Ethics and Competing with Integrity in International Business.