Neutrality and the Academic Ethic

In Neutrality and the Academic Ethic, the distinguished philosopher Robert L. Simon explores the claim that universities can and should be politically neutral. He examines conceptual questions about the meaning of neutrality, distinguishes different conceptions of what neutrality involves, and considers in what sense, if any, institutional neutrality is both possible and desirable. In Part II, a collection of original and previously published essays provides different views on these and related issues.

In Neutrality and the Academic Ethic, distinguished philosopher Robert L. Simon explores the claim that universities can and should be politically neutral. He examines conceptual questions about the meaning of neutrality, distinguishes different conceptions of what neutrality involves, and considers in what sense, if any, institutional neutrality is both possible and desirable. In Part II, a collection of original and previously published essays provides different views on these and related issues.

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Argues that academic neutrality, properly understood, is not only possible but necessary for the free inquiry and reasoned debate that should be fostered in colleges and universities. Includes 16 readings on neutrality and its application to major issues of the past few decades, such as ROTC, South African investments, and political correctness. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Robert L. Simon is professor of philosophy and department chair at Hamilton College.