Book Description

The 'Two Cultures' debate of the 1960s between C.P. Snow and F.R. Leavis is one of the most misunderstood intellectual disputes of the 20th century. Most people think that the debate only revolved around the notion that our society is characterized by a divide between two cultures – the arts or humanities on one hand, and the sciences on the other. This book is based on an extended conversation between Howard Burton and University of Cambridge intellectual historian Stefan Collini— and author of the book, What Are Universities For?— which provides a careful examination and illuminating insights of what the issues really were in this debate. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Returning to the Source, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: I. Cultural Assumptions - On the benefits of reading II. Saving the World - C.P. Snow’s moral agenda III. “Literary Osteoporosis” - Scientists vs. “literary intellectuals” IV. Into the Mainstream - Snow becomes a sage V. Enter F.R. Leavis - Questioning authority VI. Combatting Clichés - The Industrial Revolution and challenging prose VII. The Fallout - Immediate and longer-term effects VIII. Lessons Learned? - Examining Leavis’ impact IX. What Are Universities For? - Appreciating unique strengths X. Constructive Engagement - Critical inquiry and watching one’s language XI. The Humanities vs. The Sciences - Ruminations on progress XII. General Implications - The ongoing relevance of The Two Cultures About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert in a relaxed and informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website (https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/).