Includes bibliographical references and index.

I. Learning -- II. Reading and writing -- III. Thinking -- IV. The Arts -- V. Science -- VI. Society -- VII. Philosophy and religion -- VIII. Can philosophy save civilization.

The idea for this book began several years ago when we were thinking and reading and arguing with our colleagues about liberal education in America. Our constant purpose has been to make an anthology that would help college students understand what liberal education can mean to them. As it seemed to us, the reading provided in most freshman courses went a good way toward realizing this purpose. But the effort was often partial and sometimes fitful. The principal differences between Toward Liberal Education and earlier collections of readings are those of development rather than of radical change. First, this collection points steadily in the direction indicated by its title. Without deviating into models at one time or mere entertainment at another, it seeks systematically to explore the skills and disciplines of our humanistic culture. Second, it makes this exploration by the use of writing chosen for its intrinsic worth. It does not talk down to its readers.