Can Oxford be Improved?: A View from the Dreaming Spires and the Satanic Mills - Softcover

Kenny, Anthony; Kenny, Robert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1845400941 ISBN 13: 9781845400941

Publisher: Imprint Academic, 2007

Synopsis

In December 2006, dons at Oxford University caused turmoil by rejecting a set of governance reforms that were championed by their own vice-chancellor. This book is a response to these events, addressed in large part to Oxford's funders - government and benefactors - and is useful reading for those with an interest in the future of this university. Sir Anthony Kenny was formerly Master of Balliol College, Oxford, and president of the British Academy. He is the author of many books on philosophy and over 40 years has held almost every kind of post in Oxford from graduate student to pro-vice-chancellor. Robert Kenny is managing director of a consulting firm.

About this title

About the Author

Sir Anthony Kenny is one of Britain's most distinguished academic figures. He has been Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Master of Balliol College, Chairman of the Board of the British Library, and President of the British Academy. He has published more than forty books on philosophy
and history.

Review

"Anthony and Robert Kenny unravel briefly and coherently the whole skein of passions and tensions which constitute the organisational anguish of modern Oxford and their subtle plans for reform now need to be destruct-tested in an urgent public debate, within Oxford and beyond. For they might work."

(Anthony Smith, President Magdalen College Oxford (1988–2005))

"This book should be read by everyone who cares about the future of Oxford. It makes the case for internally led reforms, and explains why changes will be necessary if the university is to remain among the best in the world."

(Richard Lambert, Director-General of the CBI)

"The Kennys, père et fils ― Anthony, the consummate Oxford insider, and Robert, a private sector specialist ― have pooled their experience in a search for a solution to the problems of the governance of Oxford University. With the accession to the prime ministership of a politician with no sympathy (unlike his predecessor) for Oxford, the issue is no mere academic one. Not everyone will agree that Oxford's independence can be preserved without Oxford going independent, but everyone can profit from this educated contribution to a debate of national significance."

(Michael Beloff QC, President Trinity College Oxford (1996–2006))

"The Kennys have achieved the near impossible and squared the golden circle of Oxford governance. They have also made an impenetrable subject clear and readable. Now it is for Oxford to respond."

(Simnon Jenkins Guardian)

"This father-and-son penned booklet performs two valuble roles. First it provides an evaluative and historical description of Oxford's extremely complicated governance system... Second it proposes a set of changes that could take that machinery of governance forward without jeopardising the many autonomies in which the university community takes pride and will never abandon unless forced by legislation."

(Anthony Smith, President of Magdalen College, Oxford from 1987 to 2005)

About this edition

• Publisher: Imprint Academic
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1845400941
• ISBN 13: 9781845400941
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 150