The 511th Convocation Address: ’The Life of the Mind and Social Action’

Society expects a great deal from universities, but through its history, the University of Chicago has had a singular purpose: Edward Levi, president of the University from 1968 to 1975, clarified this purpose when he wrote,. "The University of Chicago.. does not exist to increase the earning power of its students." (As an aside to the parents gathered here today, I am not sure the University told you this four years ago!) No, President Levi said, "[The University] does not exist to train the many technicians needed for our society, nor to develop inventions important for industry. The University of Chicago exists for the life of the mind. It exists to increase the intellectual understanding and powers of mankind." But given that commitment, how are we to explain the fact that the University now manages four charter school campuses on the South Side of Chicago? Given that commitment, how are we to explain the fact that the University runs a large applied research consortium that evaluates policy options for the Chicago Public Schools? How can we explain the University's Education Lab, where scholars work with policy makers to study the impact of new programs? How can we explain the University's ambitious attempts to improve schooling in Chicago Heights? In summary, How it has come to pass that while no other university is more committed to the "life of the mind," no other university has made a deeper commitment to the very practical work of assisting local public schools? This commitment may seem at odds with the university's historical aims.