Ford, Marcus. "Beyond the Modern University." (International Conference On "Process Thinking and Higher Education Reform," 2005): 236-248.

Abstract

The university is a product of Western civilization.  Over the centuries, as Western civilization has evolved, the university has changed too in order to be of service to the prevailing powers and ideologies.  It has served the Christian Church, the secular State, Research, and now the Economy.  Seen through the eyes of those who believe that economic prosperity is the greatest good, and that it is physically possible for all people to be wealthy, the university has reached its final forms.  But looked at from the Whiteheadian perspective, the university (and Western culture itself) is in need of another transformation-one that will shift to focus from economics to moral and aesthetic values and to the health of the earth and its many inhabitants.
In this paper I will briefly recount the history of the university, drawing heavily on the cultural analysis of John Cobb, Jr. I will then discuss some of the basic aspects of process philosophy, especially as they contrast with the dominant worldview.  I will then talk briefly about what a university devoted to values might look like.  My suggestions are directed primarily at universities in the United States and Europe.  I do not know enough about China to know what usefulness my remarks might have here.