Something I read on the Internet about college departments . . .

[Guest guest]

.. . . which also can serve as a warning to us, though we don't compromise in

matters of truth:

 

The prejudices of particular groups harden into positions that are not

really open to question. Representatives of a particular doctrine move

almost exclusively within its confines and reject questions raised about its

assumptions. Ideas and methods are parroted rather than philosophically

elaborated and sharpened in struggle with contending views. The group

cultivates an attitude of superiority over other groups, which helps silence

internal doubts and justify dismissal of criticisms. The doctrine provides a

philosophical validation of sorts for the partisan objectives of the

faithful. Learning the language of the doctrine initiates candidates for

membership and then separates friend from enemy. "Schools" of this kind

answer to a desire among intellectually insecure academics to belong, to

count among the enlightened few. The intellectual and psychological

attitudes of the group are such that where it acquires power it pushes for

monopoly and conformity.

 

--from the editors' introduction to the Humanitas journal