Polish Humboldtian University in the Face of Paradigmatic Change

The Polish university is based on the Humboldt model, and can serve as a typical example of liberal education throughout Central and Eastern Europe. This book portrays an institution resistant to change and defying all attempts at reform. Currently, it is attempting to retain its identity with no regard to the rapidly changing world of science, culture and communication technologies that surrounds it. The absolute power of the professor, excessive administration and feudal subordination mean that such universities have lost touch with the local environment, and have become a factory for graduates with a random education. Power games and resentment have replaced the search for scientific truth, which in turn means that such institutions are practically invisible in the rankings, because of the lack of significant achievements. This situation has led to proposal here of a redefinition of the function of the university, based on a thorough analysis of needs of all its various groups of stakeholders.

The Polish university is based on the Humboldt model, and can serve as a typical example of liberal education throughout Central and Eastern Europe. This book portrays an institution resistant to change and defying all attempts at reform. Currently, it is attempting to retain its identity with no regard to the rapidly changing world of science, culture and communication technologies that surrounds it. The absolute power of the professor, excessive administration and feudal subordination mean that such universities have lost touch with the local environment, and have become a factory for graduates with a random education. Power games and resentment have replaced the search for scientific truth, which in turn means that such institutions are practically invisible in the rankings, because of the lack of significant achievements. This situation has led to proposal here of a redefinition of the function of the university, based on a thorough analysis of needs of all its various groups of stakeholders.