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Allan Bloom

The Closing of the American Mind: How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today’s Students

Allan BloomNonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1987

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Allan Bloom

The Closing of the American Mind

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1987
Book Details
Pages

392

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1980s

Publication Year

1987

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1320L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.2

6,655 ratings

68%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Closing of the American Mind?

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.

4.2

6,655 ratings

68%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

392

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1980s

Publication Year

1987

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1320L

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