It ignores what were long regarded as the most essential aims of education: strengthening students’ moral character and preparing them to be active, informed citizens. In light of this tradition, the recent shift to material objectives comes as something of a surprise.
对高等教育作用如此狭隘的理解前所未有。这种做法忽视了教育最重要的目标：那就是增强学生品德，培养他们承担起积极、开明的公民角色。鉴于这样的传统，近期重大的目标转变的确令人意想不到。约翰·梅纳德·凯恩斯在20世纪20年代曾预言民众对金钱和财产的关注度会随着国家逐渐变富而减少，但现实情况却是相反的。