What should be the role of our institutions of higher education? To promote good moral character? To bring an end to racism, sexism, economic oppression, and other social ills? To foster diversity and democracy and produce responsible citizens? In Save the World On Your Own Time, Stanley Fish argues that, however laudable these goals might be, there is but one proper role for the academe in society: to advance bodies of knowledge and to equip students for doing the same. When teachers offer themselves as moralists, political activists, or agents of social change rather than as credentialed experts in a particular subject and the methods used to analyze it, they abdicate their true purpose. And yet professors now routinely bring their political views into the classroom and seek to influence the political views of their students. Those who do this will often invoke academic freedom, but Fish suggests that academic freedom, correctly understood, is the freedom to do the academic job, not the freedom to do any job that the professor so chooses. Fish insists that a professor's only obligation is "to present the material in the syllabus and introduce students to state-of-the-art methods of analysis. Not to practice politics, but to study it; not to proselytize for or against religious doctrines, but to describe them; not to affirm or condemn Intelligent Design, but to explain what it is and analyze its appeal." Given that hot-button issues such as Holocaust denial, free speech, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are regularly debated in classrooms across the nation, Save the World On Your Own Time is certain to spark fresh debate--and to incense both liberals and conservatives alike--about the true purpose of higher education in America.

"Save the World on Your Own Time is invariably smart, stimulating, and provocative. It is filled with insights and crackles with verve. It is a joy to take in." - Texas Law Review

This book offers examples from both Christian and secular democratic institutions of higher education and then responds to possible criticisms about how moral education in a comprehensive humanist moral tradition may short change diversity, autonomy and critical thinking.

Whoever said you cant fight city hall, never had access to a book like this. An invaluable guide and fascinating glimpse into the life of a tireless campaigner for the planet, How to Save the World In Your Spare Time can show anyone how to fight for a cause.If you have ever tried to save a local hospital, keep a neighbourhood school open, or stop logging in a nearby forest, you will immediately recognize the benefits of this accessible handbook. Covered are topics such as: How to get your issue in the news How to organize How to lobby How to mount a successful campaignA veteran environmental organizer and activist, Elizabeth May has put decades of experience and advice into this entertaining read. Sprinkled throughout are stories of her career in activism: from adventures in the Amazon with Sting and Gordon Lightfoot, to surprising stories of Canadian political figures including the late Dalton Camp and Prime Minister Paul Martin.With How to Save the World In Your Spare Time Elizabeth May has given Canadians the tools they need to protect their communities and the planet. '[ How to Save the World in Your Spare Time ] offers useful ideas, valuable insights and sound direction for anyone seeking to bring about social change.' ' Atlantic Books Today