Education and the Democratic Ideal

Steven M. Cahn has succeeded in articulating a defense of a particularly valuable conception of higher education in the liberal arts. He presents acute logical analyses in a clear, readable style. In particular, his critique of a too facile concern with 'relevance, ' his insistence on the importance of standards and, above all, his account of the importance of liberal arts education to democracy should be read by educators and policymakers alike. Even those who ultimately reject Cahn's position surely would profit from having to wrestle with his arguments. ROBERT L. SIMON Professor of Philosophy, Hamilton College Clinton, New York Education and the Democratic Ideal is a closely reasoned study of grading, assignments, examinations, and other tactical issues. Because of this it is a real departure from most discussion of university education, and the more to be valued. RONALD BERMAN Past Chairman National Endowment for the Humanitie