Redeeming the Time, a collection of excellent lectures that Russell Kirk delivered at the Heritage Foundation, includes one that is particularly insightful. It is called, The Conservative Purpose of a Liberal Education. Kirk defines liberal education as the “ordering and integrating of knowledge for the benefit of the free person.” He says that a liberal education:
- Takes the long view
- Provides an understanding of what it means to be human
- Defends the order of the soul and the republic
- Fosters harmony with the self
- Cultivates a philosophical habit of mind
- Develops the imagination
- Looks back toward antiquity and forward to posterity
- Knows the value of things
- Fosters a lifetime of learning
- Models the proper use of leisure
- Aims towards wisdom and virtue
- Conserves a body of knowledge
That is a great list! Kirk’s essay would be an informative read for you and your faculty. It is also relevant to SCL’s summer conference theme. Enjoy!