Re: [Marxism] Capitalism and the Universities Query

["Calvin Broadbent" <calvinbroadbent@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks to Mark and Tony for their helpful comments. I can see how my query
might have sounded conservative at first glance, Mark. By no means do I wish
to suggest that the more theoretical (as opposed to less techno-centric)
areas of intellectual research are worthless in themselves; on the contrary!
But I wanted to ask why capitalism invests so much money in the teaching and
propagation of so much unrealistic and otherwordly metaphysics as is
prominent in today's academy. Which brings me on to Tony's suggestion that
the teaching of 'obscurantist philosophy' subsided in Western universities
after wwII.

Whilst this may have been the case up until the 1970s, after then there has
been a pronounced tendency towards rhetorical (and almost nihilistic)
agnosticism, *especially* within the liberal arts disciplines (philosophy,
politics, cultural studies, sociology, etc.).

In any case, Mark has suggested a principle economic imperative behind
keeping open institutional academic talking shops, such as they currently
are.

In suggesting that the capital necessary to educate youths in esoteric
rhetoric is quite minimal, do we not ignore the costs to the student/state
of paying for his/her education?

As for the majority of university students being of working class stock, and
returning therefrom; even corporate executives get paid a wage.

I would be enormously grateful, Tony, if you could send me any stuff you
might have on the subject of capitalism and the universities, and I would
really appreciate anyone else's input too.

Thanks again.

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