Professors deliberation

摘要

@@It was an invention that came out of necessity. In the sociological seventies decisions taken by the faculty (professors only) were considered to be ‘mandarin policies’ or conspiracies against the will of students and staff. At that time, plenary discussion and ‘democratic voting’ (whatever that means) were seen as the only way forward for the university. Such ideas were not just a transient experiment for fun; they were meant to be serious. In practice however they led to stagnation, mediocrity and lack of responsiveness and flexibility in Dutch universities. Several leading scientists left out of frustration and even more importantly high-level people were no longer interested in a university career. At Delft University such diseases arrived later than elsewhere, but it also took longer to cure them. In my opinion the effects of the bad times in the seventies and eighties are still felt today. The professors deliberation at Industrial Design Engineering was an informal meeting of the faculty at somebody's private home. Initially it offered the opportunity to discuss issues in an atmosphere without the demagogy and politicking of the plenary meetings. It was an effort to maintain at least some academic level.