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.
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.
Impact on Students and Faculty
Students and faculty at the Centre are experiencing deep frustration and concern over the abrupt decision to close their department. Many students feel deceived as they prepare their dissertations without assurance of faculty supervision after the deadline, leading to questions about their academic futures. The lack of transparent communication from the administration exemplifies a disconnect between university management and the actual educational needs of students and faculty. Furthermore, the decisions are being made by financial administrators who appear unaware of the department's significance and contributions to philosophical discourse.
Mobilization and Future Resistance
In response to the looming closure, students and alumni are organizing efforts to advocate for the department's survival, including drafting open letters and petitions. There are plans to collaborate with a broader student coalition, signaling a potential resurgence of activism reminiscent of past student movements. This collective action aims to not only preserve the Centre for Research in Modern European Philosophy but also challenge the perception of students as disposable resources within the educational system. The burgeoning mobilization reflects an increasing consciousness among students regarding their agency and the importance of philosophy in public life, suggesting that the fight for critical inquiry is far from over.
Follow the Campaign over at: https://www.instagram.com/crmepers/
Eflux Open letter: https://www.e-flux.com/notes/658933/open-letter-from-crmep-students-researchers-on-kingston-university-s-proposed-closure-of-the-department-of-humanities
Verso Open Letter: https://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/blogs/news/open-letter-from-crmep-students-researchers-on-kingston-university-s-proposed-closure-of-the-department-of-humanities