On Instantly Consumable Knowledge and Snake Oil

Abstract

The paper presents the complex analysis of the problem of „vocationalization” process of colleges and the analysis of the results of the process acceleration with regard to universities, observed in numerous countries. The question is examined with regard to West European countries, however some references concerning the first steps on this road made by the countries of the Eastern and Central Europe are also contained in the final section of the article. The „vocationalization” , according to the author is the long lasting phenomenon and comprises the significant historical dimension. This process should not be neglected, even if not respected by the academicians. The „vocationalization” played and will continue to play the most significant role in the process of the university adjustment to the environment, no matter whether it reflects the ideology opposite to the „academicism” or ..scholasticism” or the rational policy of governments. Three stages of the adjustment and assimilation process, and finally, returning to the appropriate character of Academy: the ideological debate, the institutional differentiation and the differentiation on the ground of education cycles, are distinguished. Have the applicability and usefulness to be accomplished at the expense of fundamentals and disinterested? And because, as pronounced by the author, everything indicates that this is the concept supported by the authorities, one may wait for the results of the divergence between the utilitarian, supported by governments and demand of the students, who are continuously inclined to focus on the values and culture.