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One of the characteristics of the university is that it is…

“One of the characteristics of the university is that it is made up of professors who train professors, or professionals training professionals. Education was this no longer directed toward people who were to be educated with a view to become fully developed human beings, but to specialists, in…” quote by Pierre Hadot
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“One of the characteristics of the university is that it is made up of professors who train professors, or professionals training professionals. Education was this no longer directed toward people who were to be educated with a view to become fully developed human beings, but to specialists, in other that they might learn how to train other specialists. This is the danger of "Scholasticism," that philosophical tendency which began to be sketched at the end of antiquity, developed in the Middle Ages, and whose presence is still recognizable in philosophy today.”

Pierre Hadot

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

University training has become self‑referential, focusing on producing specialists rather than fully developed humans, echoing ancient scholasticism.

In simple terms: Education now trains specialists, not whole people.

Key Takeaway

Re‑emphasize holistic education.

Themes

education philosophy specialization human development

Mood

analytical concerned

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • curriculum design
  • teacher training
  • policy reform

Key Concepts

holistic learning critical thinking interdisciplinary studies

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can universities foster whole‑person growth?
  • What role should liberal arts play today?
A Different Perspective

Specialist focus can limit broader insight.

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