Adler on 'Great Books of the Western World'

Mortimer Adler, Chairman for the Board of Editors, presented this speech to the National Press Club on October 30, 1990.

"Philosopher Mortimer Adler talked about the history and significance of the Great Books of the Western World college courses and adult education programs. He said that in 1921 John Erskine introduced the first Great Books course at Columbia University. Later Professor Adler introduced the Great Books to University of Chicago Law School President Robert Maynard Hutchins, and they taught the Great Books course together. Other topics included the criticism of the Great Books programs, beginning in 1988, as too Eurocentric and lacking women and minority authors. After his presentation Professor Adler answered audience members' questions."

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