66 pages • 2 hours read
Allan BloomThe Closing of the American Mind: How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today’s Students
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1987A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom critiques American culture and higher education's embrace of moral relativism, tracing its origins in German philosophy and its consequences for democracy. Bloom argues that the influence of consumerism, rock music, and the breakdown of the family has led to anti-intellectualism and a social crisis. The book consists of three parts: "Students," "Nihilism, American Style," and "The University," analyzing the impact on youth, the history of relativism, and the role of liberal arts education, concluding that a return to Great Books is essential for cultivating and civilizing students.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom explores the decline of intellectual rigor and substantive thought in American higher education. While lauded for its erudition and cultural critique, some dismiss Bloom's arguments as overly nostalgic and elitist. Overall, the book stimulates vital discourse on educational values but may polarize readers.
Who Should Read The Closing of the American Mind?
A reader who would enjoy The Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom is likely interested in education, philosophy, and cultural criticism. They may also appreciate works such as Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and The Culture of Narcissism by Christopher Lasch, which similarly critique contemporary society.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1320L