Taking a Stand Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Taking a Stand - Essay Example This is subsequently presented to masses by professionals rather than academics while focusing on the economic effects (Minogue). Minogue named this new specie as the for-profit universities and educational institutes. However, the practice of for-profit education was first criticized by Plato and Aristotle in ancient Greece. Fee-based education was actually an idea presented by Sophists who were immigrant professional teachers in Athens. They started offering higher education services in return of some fees. Researchers argue that three prominent Sophists including Hippias, Protagoras and Isocrates had a clear idea about competition. Since their approach was significantly innovative therefore they faced immense criticism from Plato and his student Aristotle. Both of them argued that such educational activities which are based upon earning profit and commercialization will have negative impact on the Greek society (Stabile). Plato in particular was against the for-profit education because he believed that there is absolutely no connection between truth and profit, money and education. Moreover, Plato viewed profit based teachings as predicted on an extreme pride regarding what represents knowledge. Plato also argued that for-profit education gives rise to false class divisions depending upon the odd stru ctures which have value but no truth (Bartlett). Aristotle focused more towards the liberal education which actually reflects the basic conditions and assumptions of the Athenian society. Here, liberal was used in two different meanings. Firstly, education should not be aimed at generating profits neither it should be expressed in form of end-utility. Secondly, liberal education means a balance between moral and intellectual excellence (Yu). He rejected the idea of fee-based education in the same way as his teacher Plato did. Contrary to this, Sophists used to charge fees for