The Closing of the American Mind

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English language

Published May 23, 1988

ISBN:
978-0-671-65715-4
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4 stars (2 reviews)

The Closing of the American Mind: How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today's Students is a 1987 book by the philosopher Allan Bloom, in which the author criticizes the "openness" of relativism, in academia and society in general, as leading paradoxically to the great "closing" referenced in the book's title. In Bloom's view, "openness" undermines critical thinking and eliminates the "point of view" that defines cultures. The book became an unexpected best seller, eventually selling close to half a million copies in hardback.

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5 stars

This is one of my favorite books from college. It was the primary text for a 1-month intensive class during May Term...perfect backbone for a class that was about 3 hours long each day. Good discussions and, looking back on it, a formative appreciation for classics versus deconstructionism.

This book included one of the earliest "100 things before you die"-type lists of pillars of western culture and thought. A very good challenge for a young lady on her way to grad school.

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3 stars