Reprinted from ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN Caine BULLETIN,
Vol. XXVII, Number 3, October, 1941, pages 519-523.

A STATEMENT ON THE PLACE OF PHILOSOPHY
IN HIGHER EDUCATION*

HE Southwestern Philosophical Conference, a professional so-
ciety whose membership is drawn from the departments of phi-
losophy in the principal universities and colleges of the South-
western states, has completed a canvass of the courses of study
in liberal arts colleges in six of these states. The Conference
takes notice of certain tendencies affecting Philosophy and the
liberal arts curriculum as a whole, tendencies which we believe to
be detrimental to higher education and to which we respectfully
invite the attention of the educational authorities of this territory.
First, there is a neglect of philosophic studies in a great many
of the colleges and in some universities. Studies which, though
having a value, can by no means fulfill the role of Philosophy,
have more and more displaced Philosophy. We recognize the
worth of vocational and apprenticeship studies, in their proper
place, and the reasonableness of devoting some educational time
to affairs of the present moment; yet all of these subjects are apt
to be rapidly magnified and to occupy presently a disproportionate
place in the curriculum. The liberal arts curriculum, we believe,
is the principal conservator of our intellectual heritage. It re-
quires careful safeguarding against any tendency that would
introduce ephemeral, meretricious or merely popular substitutes
for the studies which long experience has shown to be the most
effective for preserving, diffusing and advancing our knowledge.
Reconsideration of the educational policies responsible for the
changes which have occurred in the curriculum, especially the
changes which diminished Philosophy to its present position, is,
in our opinion, a serious need.
Secondly, there is a lack of integration of philosophic studies
with either humanities or sciences. Philosophy and Literature,
*A Statement prepared by a Committee of the SOUTHWESTERN
PHILOSOPHICAL CONFERENCE, and approved by the Conference mem-
bership. Professor W. B. Mahan of the University of Arkansas is Presi-
dent of the Conference. The Committee members were Professor Virgil C.
Aldrich, The Rice Institute; Professor Peter A. Carmichael, Louisiana State
University; Br-Anna McCracken, University of Kansas; Professor E. T.
Mitchell, University of Texas; Professor I. K. Stephens, Southern Methodist
University.
519