On the Role of Universities in Building Knowledge and Human-Centred Societies

This article presents an enlightened and egalitarian framework that evaluates the impact of universities in the infrastructure, governance, talent and culture dimensions of enlightened, neo-humanist and knowledge societies. We will expound the above stated role of a university by first developing the concept of an enlightened knowledge society. The quality of life and its sustainability is to a large extent fashioned by the society, while society is itself a collectivity of human thought and ideals. What is implied then is that human talent and society influence one another. How then can this influence be positive or progressive? We need to know what constitutes positive or progressive influence, and hence what role the university has in inculcating this progressive influence. This is a fundamental enquiry, which constitutes the very foundation of the purpose, orientation, course and educational matrix of a university. This enquiry will take us through a panoramic survey of an enlightened knowledge society, of the different sectors of the society, of how these sectors provide creative and/or fulfilling expression for its people, and thereby enrich human life. More specifically, we look at dimensions covering the infrastructure, talent, cultural and governance facets of such a society. The enquiry will also involve a study of how the themes and structures of the societal sectors are to be developed at the university, to be subsequently implemented through its educational and research programs. We will develop this enquiry in stepwise fashion proceeding from our social roots to our climactic desideratum, as we embark on a romantic odyssey of the neo-humanist knowledge society and the role of the university in enabling this exalted progression