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.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 The Future of Liberal Arts and Dartmouth's Historical Milestones

The speaker addresses the relevance of liberal arts in the 21st century by reflecting on four pivotal moments in Dartmouth's history. Starting with the 1819 Dartmouth College case, which secured the college's future amidst a legal battle with New Hampshire, the speaker highlights the importance of private education and the role of Daniel Webster, a Dartmouth alumnus, in the Supreme Court victory. The narrative then moves to the transformative presidency of William Jewett Tucker, who expanded the college's infrastructure and reputation, and the subsequent efforts to maintain Dartmouth's status as a world-class institution. The speaker emphasizes the enduring value of a liberal arts education in shaping leaders and statesmen.

05:03

🏛 The Impact of the Dartmouth College Case and Tucker's Vision

This paragraph delves into the broader implications of the Dartmouth College case, which not only secured Dartmouth's future but also paved the way for other private colleges, including historically black colleges post-Civil War. The speaker then focuses on William Jewett Tucker's presidency, detailing his efforts to elevate Dartmouth to a world-class institution. Tucker's vision included expanding the campus, increasing faculty size, and transforming the student body. His approach to integrating practical business education within a liberal arts framework is highlighted, emphasizing the interconnectedness of useful and liberating knowledge.

10:06

🌐 Dartmouth's Transformation and Inclusivity in the 20th Century

The speaker recounts the transformative period of Dartmouth's history in the 1960s, when the college faced the challenge of diversifying its student body and becoming more inclusive. The 1969 transformation is underscored as a response to the demands for a more representative and welcoming institution. The efforts of John Sloan Dickey and the introduction of a 'Great Issues' course are mentioned to illustrate Dartmouth's commitment to addressing global problems through education. The paragraph also discusses the technological advancements and the Dartmouth Plan, which aimed to modernize the college's approach to education and inclusivity.

15:07

🌱 Dartmouth's Continued Evolution and the Necessity of Liberal Arts

In the final paragraph, the speaker discusses Dartmouth's ongoing evolution, focusing on recent changes to its residential life, policies, and climate to foster a more inclusive and diverse environment. The speaker argues that these changes reflect a broader ecological transformation necessary for the college to remain relevant and impactful in the 21st century. The question of whether humanity and the planet can survive without institutions like Dartmouth is posed, suggesting that the liberal arts are not just beneficial but essential for societal progress and understanding.

Keywords

💡Liberal Arts

Liberal Arts refers to an education that provides a broad base of knowledge in various disciplines, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. In the video, it is discussed as having a future in the 21st century, despite the perceived need for immediate job training after graduation. The script argues that liberal arts education prepares students for everything by fostering a broad understanding and adaptable skillset.

💡Dartmouth College Case

The Dartmouth College Case was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1819 that affirmed the rights of private institutions against state interference. In the script, it is highlighted as a critical moment for Dartmouth's survival in the 19th century, setting a precedent for the protection of private colleges and their autonomy in education.

💡William Jewett Tucker

William Jewett Tucker was the president of Dartmouth from 1892 to 1909. He is mentioned in the script for his transformative leadership, during which he expanded the college, increased faculty size, and redefined Dartmouth's mission to become a world-class institution, emphasizing the importance of a liberal arts education in producing well-rounded individuals.

💡Caleb Bingham

Caleb Bingham, a Dartmouth graduate, is known for writing 'The Columbian Orator,' a book of rhetoric that influenced Daniel Webster and others. In the script, it is said to have been instrumental in Webster's defense of Dartmouth in the Supreme Court, demonstrating the power of oratory and the impact of a liberal arts education on shaping leaders.

💡Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist and former slave, is mentioned in the script as having been influenced by 'The Columbian Orator.' His example illustrates the wide-reaching impact of liberal arts education materials and the potential for such education to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds.

💡Tuck Business School

Tuck Business School was established at Dartmouth by William Jewett Tucker to challenge the notion that liberal arts education is separate from practical knowledge. The script uses Tuck as an example of integrating useful knowledge with liberating knowledge, showing that a liberal arts education is not just theoretical but can be applied to real-world contexts.

💡John Sloan Dickey

John Sloan Dickey served as the president of Dartmouth and is recognized in the script for continuing the transformative work of his predecessors. He emphasized the practical benefits of a liberal arts education by establishing a 'Great Issues' course, which demonstrated how various disciplines could address significant global challenges.

💡Inclusive Excellence

Inclusive Excellence is a policy mentioned in the script that Dartmouth adopted to ensure it is a welcoming space for individuals of all backgrounds. It represents the college's commitment to diversity and the belief that a liberal arts education should be accessible and beneficial to everyone, regardless of race, color, creed, nationality, gender, or ability.

💡Dartmouth Plan

The Dartmouth Plan, as referenced in the script, is a structural change implemented to transform the college into a more inclusive and diverse institution. It is tied to the use of technology and the vision of John Kemeny, aiming to make Dartmouth a microcosm of the world, reflecting the global diversity and interconnectedness.

💡Relationality

Relationality in the script refers to the structure of relationships at Dartmouth, which has been changed to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. It is part of the college's efforts to create a sense of community and belonging among all its members, aligning with the broader goals of a liberal arts education to develop well-rounded individuals.

💡Ecology of the Institution

The term 'ecology of the institution' in the script describes the overall environment and culture of Dartmouth College. It has been transformed over the years to better reflect the values of inclusivity, diversity, and excellence. The changes made to the ecology are intended to position Dartmouth as a leader in 21st-century liberal arts education, capable of addressing global challenges.

Highlights

The liberal arts face questions about their future in the 21st century and immediate job readiness post-graduation.

Dartmouth's history is marked by four refounding moments that shaped its identity and role in higher education.

The 1819 Dartmouth College case was pivotal for the survival of the institution and private colleges in general.

Daniel Webster's oratory skills, honed at Dartmouth, were instrumental in the Supreme Court case that favored Dartmouth.

The Columbian Orator, a book of rhetoric, was key to Webster's and others' powerful oratory and advocacy for liberty.

Dartmouth's identity was shaped by its ability to produce influential statesmen and politicians.

William Jewett Tucker's presidency marked a transformation towards becoming a world-class university.

Tucker's vision included expanding the campus, faculty, and student body to elevate Dartmouth's status.

The establishment of Tuck Business School demonstrated the integration of useful and liberating knowledge.

A liberal arts education is positioned as training for nothing but preparing for everything.

The transformation of Dartmouth under Tucker set an example for other liberal arts institutions.

John Sloan Dickey emphasized the responsibility of Dartmouth graduates to engage with global issues.

1969 marked a significant shift for Dartmouth to reflect the diversity of the world and address inclusivity.

The Dartmouth Plan, linked with technological advancements, aimed to transform the institution's demographics.

Recent changes at Dartmouth focus on creating an inclusive environment for all races, genders, and abilities.

The question of Dartmouth's survival in the 21st century is reframed as the necessity of liberal arts for societal progress.

Applause signifies the end of the speech and the audience's reception of the presented arguments and vision.

Transcripts

[Applause]

does the liberal arts have a future in

the 21st century don't students want to

go to receive training and prepare them

for work immediately after they receive

their degrees I want to use that

question as the basis for reflecting on

a series of four refounding moments in

Dartmouth's 250 year history I'm gonna

begin with 1819 when the Dartmouth

College case made it possible for

Dartmouth to survive the 19th century

I'm going to turn to William Jewett

Tucker's presidency from 1892 to 1909

when Dartmouth had to confront becoming

a world-class University in the 20th

century I'm going to move to 1969 when

Dartmouth had to transform its entire

self representation in order to become a

world-class institution the prelude to

the 21st century and I'm going to

conclude with what we're doing today

were these living bridges have reflected

an image for Dartmouth but it is an

example for liberal arts universities in

the 21st century 1819 New Hampshire

takes away Dartmouth charter says it's

null and void because it was made with

King George the third and education is a

public good that should not be permitted

being the venue of a private college

Daniel Webster class of 1801 emerged

to defend art month against the state of

New Hampshire which had named Dartmouth

Dartmouth University when Webster

explained what gave him the forces

persuade Chief Justice Marshall of the

Supreme Court to decide in Dartmouth

favor he said it was his training at

Dartmouth and specifically the work of

Caleb Bingham Dartmouth class of 1787

written an incredible book of rhetoric

called the Columbian orator Webster said

he discovered the power of oratory as an

Oracle a bridge between the greatest

aspirations for liberty and union of a

country and the capacity to lift the

minds and imaginations of Americans to

achieve that aspiration the Columbian

orator also became the chief text for

Frederick Douglass Samson akhom and his

oration --zz was cited in the Columbian

order as a preceptor for powerful

oration when Daniel Webster arrived at

the moment in his Supreme Court argument

in which he established the distillation

of his claims he described Dartmouth in

a line that every Dartmouth student has

memorized as a small College sir yet

there are those who love it then he

proceeded to say the Dartmouth is one of

the lesser lights in the horizon of

literary institutions but in the very

act of articulating that perish

Daniel Webster had transformed himself

into perhaps the most important literary

figure of the day and by extension

Dartmouth into an institution that

produced statesmen and politicians not

only of the standing of Daniel Webster

and Rufus Choate and Sam salmon chase

and George Ticknor but also as Kate

Stith Cabrales

one of the first women to graduate under

Dartmouth's aegis as a Cohen station

Alinta tution was to explain at this

year's celebration of the Dartmouth

College case the Dartmouth College case

made it possible for private colleges of

the standing of Howard and Fiske

and Morehouse and Spelman the historic

black colleges to emerge after the Civil

War with the protection of their privacy

secured by the Dartmouth College case

Dartmouth College was secured and

guaranteed its status as a private

college from 1819 till 1893 when William

Jewett Tucker became president of

Dartmouth graduated in 1862 the second

year of the civil war a war fought to

transform Daniel Webster's inspiring

coda liberty and union one and

inseparable now and forever

Webster compromised the Civil War turned

the compromise into the realization of

Liberty

and in reflecting on the Dartmouth

College case William Jewett Tucker said

Dartmouth may have fallen in love with

its image as a small college but

Dartmouth's aspiration to become one of

the great liberal arts institutions in

the world requires in this case Tucker

to transform the entire profile of the

institution he added 13 new buildings he

tripled the size of the faculty he

transformed the student body from fewer

than 350 students to thirteen hundred

and forty students in in order to

produce a lesson in 1900 in the midst of

the Gilded Age William Jewett Tucker

took the primary complaint about liberal

arts institutions that they separate

useful knowledge from liberal knowledge

it's the basis for instituting TUC

business school in order to make it

clear to everyone that there is no

distinction between knowledge that is

useful and knowledge that is liberating

a liberal arts education trains you for

nothing but it prepares you for

everything and what constitutes the

liberating aspect of a liberal arts

education is its capacity to demonstrate

how a use like turning your degree into

the basis for a job can become the

foundation for the discovery of a

Liberty when you recognize that the job

may be a livelihood but it can be as

empty and deadening as a prison sentence

if it isn't associated with meaningful

values

that make your life feel worthy of all

of the investment of your energy and

passion in the midst of the Gilded Age

he said I want to take Dartmouth

graduates who have sold their souls for

profit and to rededicate them to the

liberal arts by getting my roommate from

Dartmouth in 1862 Edward tuck to invest

the funds needed and to establish a

mission for tuck business school that

will become the basis for the

transformation of the gilded ages

immorality into a liberating vision Tuck

said the deepest form of egotism is

altruism altruism is what generates the

deepest wealth for a person and a

country William Jewett Tucker had

transformed the small College into an

institution that in the words of Woodrow

Wilson who was president of Princeton

University when Tucker stepped down an

example for every liberal arts

institution in the country Dartmouth had

been decolonized

from a colonial church college in the

provincial back waters of New Hampshire

into a bright light in the firmament of

liberal arts institutions when John

Sloan Dickey became president of

Dartmouth he returned to William Jewett

Tucker career in order to just steal

what he understood to be the primary

lesson

Tucker he said has made it clear that it

is the mandate of every Dartmouth

graduate to make the world's troubles

your troubles and he established a great

issues course to demonstrate the

practical benefit of every discipline in

a liberal arts institution but in 1969 a

great issue came to Dartmouth all of the

african-american students who'd gone to

historic black colleges but may have

wanted to come to Dartmouth all of the

women who had entered into the private

women's colleges the sister schools

surrounding Dartmouth all of the Asian

American and Latino and Latina students

who felt as if Dartmouth was still an

unwelcoming space said the Dartmouth if

you want to make the world's problems

your problems look like the world in

1969 Dartmouth changed its profile and

it founded that transformation of

profile by rededicating itself to the

original Charter which acknowledged the

importance of Native American students

not only to the founding of the

institution there's tutelary presences

who continue to offer it guidance in

order to bring about that change in the

structure of Dartmouth John Kemeny the

inventor of basic took that needed

transformation and linked it with a

technology

his understanding of the work that

computers could serve in inventing a

Dartmouth plan that would enable

Dartmouth to transform itself from a

white male institution in the New

Hampshire wilderness into a microcosm of

the world this time it wasn't a single

person

it wasn't Webster it wasn't Tucker with

all the students and faculty and

administrators who demanded a bridge

that would transform Dartmouth's

aspirations from the 19th century into

the reality of the 20th over the last 13

years Dartmouth has been involved in

transforming what could be called the

ecology of the institution it's added

equality to fraternity and sorority by

making the residential life at least as

hospitable for the formation of bonds as

the co-ed fraternity sorority system is

that was the Dartmouth moving forward

stride second step was to turn what

otherwise is non curated fact into a

distilled policy inclusive excellence in

which Dartmouth says explicitly it is a

welcoming space for persons of every

race of every color of every Creed of

every nationality every gender and every

ability and most recently it's changed

the climate

of the institution in order to make what

this morning was described as the

Mennella

protocol the structure of relationality

for everyone at dartmouth my brother

asked whether a liberal arts institution

of the standing of dartmouth could

survive the 21st century after Dartmouth

has changed its ecology to become a

space that's the image of what could

possibly transform the ecology of the

planet what a close by rephrasing the

question can be humanity and the planet

of the 21st century survive without

liberal arts institutions of the

standing and aspiration of Dartmouth

College

[Applause]