This message was distributed by Papyrus News, a free e-mail distribution list on the global impact of information technology on language, literacy, and education. Feel free to forward this message to others, preferably with this introduction. The paper offers a broad perspective on the issues facing the conventional university. Let me start with the aspects of the ethos that are not manipulated by the system.
Most academics appear to have a strong desire to understand.
Furthermore, most have a desire to impart this understanding to others. As well, there seems to be a general wish to make society better - including a recognition of the importance of compassion. These three desires form the foundation of the university. Taken unalloyed with other motives, they can produce academics who spend a lifetime reflecting upon themselves, society, and the natural world. These academics will develop understanding in a particular discipline but will also have many questions and insights on all aspects of human existence.