Acid Horizon
Save CRMEP: The Assault on Humanities in the UK
Mar 26, 2025
In this engaging discussion, guest Tiger Liu, a fan favorite known for their insights on extinction and philosophy, dives into the serious implications of proposed closures at the Centre for Research in Modern European Philosophy. They highlight the battle to preserve humanities in UK academia, emphasizing its broader societal importance. The conversation critiques the shift towards vocational training, explores the emotional toll on the academic community, and underscores the necessity for collective action to advocate for critical thought and community engagement.
20:32
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Quick takeaways
- The proposed closure of the humanities department at Kingston University signifies a troubling trend of prioritizing vocational education over critical philosophical inquiry.
- In response to the imminent closure, students and alumni are organizing grassroots efforts highlighting their agency and the vital role of philosophy in society.
Deep dives
Threat to Humanities Departments
The closure of the Centre for Research in Modern European Philosophy at Kingston University highlights a broader trend of jeopardizing humanities programs across the UK. This initiative reflects a shift in university priorities towards vocational and skill-based education, sidelining critical thinking and philosophical inquiry. The decision, communicated abruptly to faculty and students, underscores a concerning trend where administrators prioritize financial considerations over the essential role of these departments in fostering intellectual discourse. Resistance efforts have included protests and letters of support from established academics, but the department is still facing imminent closure.
