<P>Providing a comprehensive introduction to the philosophy of higher education this book steps nimbly through the field, leading it into new areas and advancing an imaginative ecological realism. </P><P>Each chapter takes the form of a short essay, tackling a particular topic such as values, knowledge, teaching, critical thinking and social justice. It also examines key issues including academic freedom, the digital university and the Anthropocene, and draws on classic as well as contemporary texts in the field.</P><P>Composed of five parts, the book travels on a compelling journey:</P><UL><P><LI>Part one identifies foundations of the field, distinguishing between the ideas of university and higher education,</LI><P></P><P><LI>Part two examines key concepts, including research, culture, academic freedom and reason,</LI><P></P><P><LI>Part three focuses on higher education as a set of educational practices and being a student,</LI><P></P><P><LI>Part four is concerned with the university