Why Liberal Arts Education Matters Now More Than Ever | Donald Pease | TEDxDartmouth

Summary

The speaker reflects on Dartmouth's history through four 'refounding' moments, highlighting its evolution from a small college to a world-class institution. Key moments include the 1819 Dartmouth College case, William Jewett Tucker's presidency, and the 1969 transformation to a diverse and inclusive community. The talk emphasizes the enduring value of a liberal arts education in preparing graduates for a meaningful life and its role in shaping leaders who can address global challenges.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The liberal arts have a significant future in the 21st century, with institutions like Dartmouth adapting and evolving to remain relevant and influential.
• 📚 Dartmouth's history is marked by four refounding moments that have shaped its identity and mission, each reflecting the changing times and societal needs.
• 🛡️ The 1819 Dartmouth College case was pivotal in securing the college's status as a private institution and protecting the rights of private colleges in the U.S.
• 🗣️ Daniel Webster's oratory skills, honed at Dartmouth, played a crucial role in the Supreme Court case, demonstrating the power of liberal arts education in shaping leaders.
• 🏫 William Jewett Tucker's presidency marked a transformation of Dartmouth into a world-class university, expanding its facilities, faculty, and student body.
• 💼 The establishment of the Tuck Business School by Tucker emphasized the integration of useful knowledge with liberal knowledge, challenging the notion that liberal arts are impractical.
• 🌟 Dartmouth's evolution under Tucker's leadership set an example for other liberal arts institutions, highlighting the importance of adapting to societal changes.
• 🌐 The 1969 transformation of Dartmouth aimed to make the college more inclusive and reflective of the world's diversity, addressing the need for a more global perspective.
• 💡 John Kemeny's leadership connected the transformation of Dartmouth with technological advancements, using the Dartmouth Plan to modernize the institution.
• 🌱 Dartmouth's recent efforts have focused on ecological transformation, promoting equality and inclusivity in residential life and academic policies.
• 🌍 The final takeaway questions the survival of humanity and the planet without the influence of liberal arts institutions like Dartmouth, emphasizing their essential role in shaping a better future.

Q & A

What was the significance of the Dartmouth College case in 1819?

The Dartmouth College case in 1819 was significant because it allowed Dartmouth to survive as a private college. New Hampshire attempted to take away Dartmouth's charter, claiming education should be a public good. Daniel Webster defended Dartmouth, and the Supreme Court's decision in Dartmouth's favor secured its status as a private institution.

How did William Jewett Tucker transform Dartmouth in the early 20th century?

William Jewett Tucker transformed Dartmouth by adding 13 new buildings, tripling the faculty size, and increasing the student body from fewer than 350 to 1,340 students. He also established the Tuck Business School to demonstrate that there is no distinction between useful and liberating knowledge, emphasizing the value of a liberal arts education.

What was the role of the 'Columbian Orator' in the Dartmouth College case?

The 'Columbian Orator' was a book of rhetoric by Caleb Bingham, which Daniel Webster credited with helping him discover the power of oratory. It was instrumental in Webster's ability to persuade Chief Justice Marshall in the Dartmouth College case.

Who were the 'great issues' students in 1969, and what did they demand from Dartmouth?

The 'great issues' students in 1969 were African-American, women, Asian-American, Latino, and Latina students who felt Dartmouth was unwelcoming. They demanded that Dartmouth change its profile to better represent and welcome a diverse student body.

How did John Sloan Dickey's presidency reflect on the Dartmouth College case?

John Sloan Dickey's presidency reflected on the Dartmouth College case by emphasizing the mandate for every Dartmouth graduate to make the world's troubles their own. He established a 'great issues' course to demonstrate the practical benefit of every discipline within a liberal arts institution.

What was the Dartmouth Plan that John Kemeny introduced?

The Dartmouth Plan introduced by John Kemeny was a transformation strategy that aimed to change Dartmouth from a predominantly white male institution to a more diverse and inclusive community, making it a microcosm of the world.

What is the connection between the liberal arts education and the concept of 'liberty' as discussed in the script?

The connection between a liberal arts education and 'liberty' is that a liberal arts education is seen as a means to prepare individuals for everything, including the pursuit of meaningful values and aspirations. It is not just about training for a specific job but about equipping individuals with the capacity to understand and contribute to the broader societal goals of liberty and union.

How did the script address the potential challenges of a liberal arts education in the 21st century?

The script addressed the potential challenges by reflecting on Dartmouth's history and its ability to adapt and transform. It suggested that the liberal arts can offer a unique perspective and approach to problem-solving, making them essential for the 21st century, rather than obsolete.

What is the 'Mennella protocol' mentioned in the script?

The 'Mennella protocol' is not explicitly defined in the script, but it seems to refer to a new structure of relationality at Dartmouth aimed at fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone within the institution.

How does the script suggest that Dartmouth College has evolved over its 250-year history?

The script suggests that Dartmouth College has evolved through several 'refounding moments,' each responding to the needs and challenges of its time. These moments include the Dartmouth College case, the transformation under William Jewett Tucker, the 'great issues' movement in 1969, and recent efforts to create a more inclusive and diverse institution.