On Education, Formation, Citizenship and the Lost Purpose of Learning

Reading Augustine presents concise, personal readings of St. Augustine of Hippo from leading philosophers and religion scholars.

The looming crisis in higher education appears to be a matter of soaring costs and crushing student debt, but the problem is actually much deeper. It is a crisis of soul; a question of the very purpose of learning and the type of people that our educational system produces. Today, in the age of academic hyper-specialization and professional knowledge, the moral and spiritual purposes of learning have been eclipsed by a shallow view of career and success. On Education, Formation, Citizenship, and the Lost Purpose of Learning turns to the influential figure Augustine of Hippo to explore how he saved the liberal arts at the end of the Roman Empire and how his inspiring vision can do the same for higher education today. It offers a roadmap for reviving the soul of education – presenting concrete ways that the intellectual practices and economic enterprise of learning can lead once more to a fulfilled life of knowing God and loving others.

“Clair offers a perceptive and, as far as I know, new defense of a Christian great books education that is an excellent contribution to our reflection on contemporary liberal education.” – Augustinian Studies

“On Education is a compelling read. It brings fresh air to Augustine’s remarkable life. In just 120 pages, with Augustine as his guide, Clair diagnoses the disarray that afflicts the modern university, making a case for liberal education grounded in moral and spiritual purposes.” – The Cresset

“As a foray toward the calling of reading deeply as a facet of an intellectual asceticism and a serious option for those concerned about higher education, I commend Clair’s book.” - Reading Religion

“This book should be compulsory reading for members of the board at Christian universities. The book is also a challenging invitation to all Augustinian scholars to search across a spectrum of fields for how the life and work of Augustine could be fruitful for contemporary society.” – Augustiniana

“Some books are long, but relative to their length you don’t benefit much. Some books are short, but relative to their length you benefit greatly. Joseph Clair’s new book, On Education, Formation, Citizenship and the Lost Purpose of Learning fits in the latter category. In 120 pages Clair gives a crisp and thoughtful account of how higher education has lost its moral rudder.” – David Moore, twocities.org