Commentary
C.S. Lewis Was Right About Education
Postmodern academia no longer searches for truth. Except in the physical sciences, objectivity is too often replaced with moral relativism, “critical theory,” and the “lived experience” of individual scholars. But … Continue reading “C.S. Lewis Was Right About Education”
Perverse Incentives in Science: 21st Century Funding for 20th Century Research
The Paradigm Shift Not long ago I was working with my occasional co-author, an associate dean in the school of economic, political and policy sciences at the University of Texas … Continue reading “Perverse Incentives in Science: 21st Century Funding for 20th Century Research”
A New Era: The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal
Last year, the Pope Center’s Board of Directors decided that there was too much confusion between the Center and the John W. Pope Foundation, a private grant-making foundation in Raleigh, North … Continue reading “A New Era: The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal”
The Novel A Theory of Nothing Says Something
The college novel is a staple of Anglosphere literature; academia is an especially target-rich environment for social critics and satirists. Yet, the best-selling college novels usually aim at a relatively … Continue reading “The Novel A Theory of Nothing Says Something”
Pokémon Go Is Booming on Campus, and That’s a Good Thing
On the surface, Pokémon Go players appear to be zombified millennials walking aimlessly, eyes fixed on their cellphones. But in reality they are engaging with a new community of young … Continue reading “Pokémon Go Is Booming on Campus, and That’s a Good Thing”
The American Anthropological Association Barely Defeats “Boycott Israel” Resolution
In an article I wrote for the Pope Center last year, I explained how my academic field, anthropology, is increasingly dominated by activists who want to use it for their … Continue reading “The American Anthropological Association Barely Defeats “Boycott Israel” Resolution”
The Private Student Lending Industry’s Death Has Been Greatly Exaggerated
Mark Twain’s famous quip about the rumors of his demise applies to the private higher education lending industry. Many people think that because Congress did away with the nominally private … Continue reading “The Private Student Lending Industry’s Death Has Been Greatly Exaggerated”
UNC-Chapel Hill’s Economics Program Lacks Historical Perspective
A few weeks ago I went camping with some fellow members of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Young Americans for Liberty chapter. Whenever we get together, there … Continue reading “UNC-Chapel Hill’s Economics Program Lacks Historical Perspective”
A Meaningful Math Requirement: College Algebra or Something Else?
Most colleges and universities have a math requirement. Students must successfully complete a certain number of math courses (usually just one) to graduate. At many institutions, the requirement is met … Continue reading “A Meaningful Math Requirement: College Algebra or Something Else?”