Reader opinion The ancient principles of a university institution are no longer implemented in Finnish universities

Opinion|Reader’s opinion

When I read Joseph Henrich’s description of the history of universities was almost shocked when I read this passage: “The University of Bologna was founded in 1100 by students hiring teachers. Students deal with the city administration without intermediaries. In Paris, on the other hand, teachers formed a guild to avoid the interference of local authorities in teaching. The teachers formed an autonomous community that defined the content of the teaching. ”

Universities persistently strive for independence in relation to the church, cities, and markets. Although the ruling elite increased their hold on the universities, they retained a considerable degree of independence. For example, universities had the right to punish those who break the law in their own districts.

At the same time as democratic decision-making is being emphasized elsewhere in society, universities – such as the University of Tampere – have been subject to the control of external factors that the first universities sought to combat. The Church no longer influences the functioning of universities, but the importance of political decision-makers and industry has been strengthened despite speeches on autonomy.

When this is complained about, advocates of the current regime always remember to say that those outsiders do not directly interfere in teaching. That is true, but there are indirect effects through funding. And even if such indirect effects are minor, it is a matter of principle. It is in the nature of the university that teachers and students are responsible for the development of the university. This means, for example, that at least a majority of the members of the university board are in the possession of the university staff.

When this will hopefully happen in the future, I expect the University of Tampere to have a faculty of humanities again. It says that the old valuable traditions of universities are still honored.

Markku Ojanen

Professor Emeritus of Psychology

Lempäälä

Reader opinions are speeches written by HS readers, selected and delivered by HS’s editorial staff. You can leave a comment or read the principles of writing at www.hs.fi/kirjtamielipidekirjoitus/.