Edward Shils and the American University.

This article discusses the views of sociologist Edward Shils in the context of contemporary higher education and to assess his views about the university. A concern with the societal importance of tradition was a recurring theme in his work. This underscores a deep conservative trend in his work. He repeatedly stressed the importance of social cohesion and emphasized the importance of intellectuals and of academic institutions in helping to reshape the central ideas of society. Higher education and science were among his major concerns and preoccupations throughout his career. He was a strong believer in academic meritocracy and in judgment by peers.