Publisher Description

In December 2006, dons at Oxford University caused turmoil by rejecting a set of governance reforms that were championed by their own vice-chancellor. This book is a response to these events, addressed in large part to Oxford's funders - government and benefactors - and is useful reading for those with an interest in the future of this university. Sir Anthony Kenny was formerly Master of Balliol College, Oxford, and president of the British Academy. He is the author of many books on philosophy and over 40 years has held almost every kind of post in Oxford from graduate student to pro-vice-chancellor. Robert Kenny is managing director of a consulting firm.

Author Biography

Sir Anthony Kenny was formerly Master of Balliol College, Oxford, and president of the British Academy. He is the author of many books on philosophy and over 40 years has held almost every kind of post in Oxford from graduate student to pro-vice-chancellor. Robert Kenny is managing director of a consulting firm.

Table of Contents

1. What is Oxford and what is it for? 2. An Oxford life; 3. Oxford from outside; 4. Reform after Reform; 5. Elements of present system; 6. Merits of college system.; 7. Demerits of college system; 8. Oxford as a business.; 9. Management structure; 10. Arguments for and against reform.; 11. The right answer.

Review

"Anthony and Robert Kenny unravel briefly and coherently the whole skein of passions and tensions which constitute the organisational anguish of modern Oxford and their subtle plans for reform now need to be destruct-tested in an urgent public debate, within Oxford and beyond. For they might work." -- Anthony Smith, President Magdalen College Oxford (1988-2005) "The Kennys, pere et fils - Anthony, the consummate Oxford insider, and Robert, a private sector specialist - have pooled their experience in a search for a solution to the problems of the governance of Oxford University. With the accession to the prime ministership of a politician with no sympathy (unlike his predecessor) for Oxford, the issue is no mere academic one. Not everyone will agree that Oxford's independence can be preserved without Oxford going independent, but everyone can profit from this educated contribution to a debate of national significance." -- Michael Beloff QC, President Trinity College Oxford (1996-2006) "This book should be read by everyone who cares about the future of Oxford. It makes the case for internally led reforms, and explains why changes will be necessary if the university is to remain among the best in the world." -- Richard Lambert, Director-General of the CBI "The Kennys have achieved the near impossible and squared the golden circle of Oxford governance. They have also made an impenetrable subject clear and readable. Now it is for Oxford to respond." -- Simnon Jenkins Guardian "This father-and-son penned booklet performs two valuble roles. First it provides an evaluative and historical description of Oxford's extremely complicated governance system... Second it proposes a set of changes that could take that machinery of governance forward without jeopardising the many autonomies in which the university community takes pride and will never abandon unless forced by legislation." -- Anthony Smith, President of Magdalen College, Oxford from 1987 to 2005

Long Description

In December 2006, dons at Oxford University caused turmoil by rejecting a set of governance reforms that were contained in a government white paper and championed by their own vice-chancellor. This book is a response to these events, addressed in large part to Oxford's funders ? government and benefactors ? and is essential reading for all with an interest in the future of this great university.

Review Quote

"This father-and-son penned booklet performs two valuble roles. First it provides an evaluative and historical description of Oxford's extremely complicated governance system... Second it proposes a set of changes that could take that machinery of governance forward without jeopardising the many autonomies in which the university community takes pride and will never abandon unless forced by legislation."

Details