Sir Roger Scruton, a prominent British philosopher and conservative thinker, stirred controversy and debate in 2014 with his address to the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA), where he boldly declared, "Academia is dead" and accused it of being "invaded by fake subjects." Scruton's critique of the state of academia struck a chord with many who shared his concerns about the direction in which higher education was headed. This article delves into Sir Roger Scruton's address, his criticisms of academia, and the ongoing discourse surrounding his provocative statement.
A Visionary Philosopher
Before delving into Scruton's critique, it is essential to understand his background and the context in which he made his controversial statement. Sir Roger Scruton, who passed away in 2020, was a prolific philosopher, author, and commentator known for his conservative philosophy and deep appreciation for tradition and culture. He authored numerous books and essays on topics ranging from aesthetics and political theory to environmentalism and religion. Throughout his life, Scruton advocated preserving Western values, traditions, and institutions.
The IPA Address
Sir Roger Scruton raised concerns about modern academia in his 2014 address to the Institute of Public Affairs. He argued that universities had shifted away from their traditional role as centres of rigorous intellectual inquiry and had become overly focused on promoting political ideologies and trendy "fake subjects."
Politicisation of Academia
Scruton criticised the increasing politicisation of higher education, arguing that universities had become echo chambers for particular ideologies, stifling open debate and intellectual diversity.
Proliferation of "Fake Subjects"
Scruton expressed concern over the rise of what he called "fake subjects" in academia, which he believed lacked intellectual rigour and practical utility. He mentioned fields like gender studies and media studies as examples.
Loss of Traditional Disciplines
Scruton lamented the erosion of traditional disciplines, suggesting that the humanities had been particularly affected. He argued that the abandonment of core subjects like history, philosophy, and literature had diminished the quality of education.
The Reaction
Scruton's address garnered both support and criticism. Some hailed him as a defender of academic integrity and free thought, while others accused him of being out of touch or dismissive of significant academic developments. Supporters argued that his critique was a wake-up call to universities to refocus on their core mission of promoting genuine intellectual inquiry and academic excellence. Critics countered that Scruton's perspective was overly narrow and failed to recognise the value of emerging fields addressing critical contemporary issues.
The Ongoing Debate
Sir Roger Scruton's 2014 IPA address continues to be a contention and discussion in academia and beyond. It has prompted ongoing debates about the role of universities, the balance between tradition and innovation, and the importance of maintaining rigorous intellectual standards in higher education.
Sir Roger Scruton's declaration that "academia is dead" and his assertion that it had been "invaded by fake subjects" were provocative and divisive statements. While his critique struck a chord with some who shared his concerns about the direction of modern academia, it also faced significant pushback from those who argued for the value and relevance of new academic disciplines and perspectives.
Regardless of one's stance on Scruton's critique, his address catalysed essential conversations about the state of higher education, the politicisation of academia, and the role of traditional disciplines in shaping the intellectual landscape of the future. In this sense, his contribution to the ongoing discourse about academia's purpose and direction remains influential and enduring.
