Madam, - In a recent column, Fintan's O'Toole outlined how evaluating the performance of universities by strictly economic criteria had resulted in "the current narrowing of the national mind" (Opinion, April 14th). But there is a further dimension, implicit in O'Toole's analysis, that is deeply worrying. It is the relationship between academic freedom and freedom itself.
Traditionally, universities encouraged the development of intellectual and analytical skills stemming from a young student's natural passion for truth, the freedom to express ideas and a desire to know the real world. Argument, discussion and a critical approach to the status quo were actively encouraged. In the end, it was expected that students would have a strong understanding of what freedom actually entailed. One of these freedoms, of course, is the freedom of speech, freedom to criticise.
There are many advantages to using strictly economic criteria to measure the success of any university. But there is one serious drawback. Economic criteria necessarily supports the status quo. Such measures are concrete, precise and predictable. The last thing they can tolerate are uncertainty and persistent questioning. But many subjects - such as philosophy, critical theory, even drama - actively encourage critical questions about the nature and structure of our society. Furthermore, answers to these questions may not always be obvious or readily available.
How then, are these subjects to be measured? Using the current economic criteria of success, they must necessarily fall well short of more easily quantifiable subjects such as science and medicine. In the Thatcher years, one of the first subjects to fall by the wayside in UK universities was philosophy.
It is in society's own interest that universities should provide the freedom for students to participate in abstract subjects that, admittedly, cannot easily be measured. Such subjects have long since proven to be the essential inspiration for constructive participation in, and critical analysis of, a democratic society. - Yours, etc,
Dr VALERIE BRESNIHAN,
Woodbine Road,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.