A Feminist Critique of University Education

Abstract

In this chapter, we highlight some of Judith Butler’s main pronouncements about the university and offer some ways to think differently about philosophy of higher education and academic activism. We consider three ways in which the idea of a university of critique intertwined with notions of non-mastery and ‘error-living’ education might be possible. Firstly, an open and speculative university should cultivate forms of education where making mistakes is considered not only as routine to learning but as a necessary process for learning. Secondly, a university grounded in academic freedom is not only pertinent for free, critical engagement that is unafraid but can play a pivotal role in calling into question existing norms and hegemonies, policies as well as political structures and discourses. It also opens up the possibility of free and critical thought, including intellectual positions. And thirdly, dissent is critical not only as a recognition of alternative or controversial views but for the very cultivation of academic activism.