Bigotry in Academe : Disciplinary Elitism

In this brief call to action, the authors decry disciplinary elitism. A large number of academics in various disciplines actually believe that their discipline alone has the answer to how the world works. This sort of academic bigotry runs rampant through our myriad ivied and hallowed halls, and has made a mockery of education. In a culture that values diversity, such as ours, we should not put up with the disciplinist, an academic bigot with no respect for other academic disciplines. Indeed, as disciplines converge, it is often difficult if not impossible to conduct quality research without employing the results of scholarship from other disciplines. Moreover, students who are going to be successful in life must be taught to respect all knowledge. We must teach them, as well, to appreciate the diversity of our various disciplines, and how each in its own way contributes an essential element towards our understanding of the world in which we live