66 pages • 2 hours read
Allan BloomA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
392
Book • Nonfiction
1980s
1987
Adult
18+ years
1320L
The Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom critiques American culture and higher education's embrace of moral relativism, tracing its origins in German philosophy and its consequences for democracy. Bloom argues that the influence of consumerism, rock music, and the breakdown of the family has led to anti-intellectualism and a social crisis. The book consists of three parts: "Students," "Nihilism, American Style," and "The University," analyzing the impact on youth, the history of relativism, and the role of liberal arts education, concluding that a return to Great Books is essential for cultivating and civilizing students.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Mysterious
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The Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom explores the decline of intellectual rigor and substantive thought in American higher education. While lauded for its erudition and cultural critique, some dismiss Bloom's arguments as overly nostalgic and elitist. Overall, the book stimulates vital discourse on educational values but may polarize readers.
A reader who would enjoy The Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom is likely interested in education, philosophy, and cultural criticism. They may also appreciate works such as Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and The Culture of Narcissism by Christopher Lasch, which similarly critique contemporary society.
6,655 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
392
Book • Nonfiction
1980s
1987
Adult
18+ years
1320L
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