Higher Education in Times of Privatization and Mercantilization

This book represents a scientific and philosophical departure in the search for alternatives to understand the effects of neoliberal ideologies, in defense of education as a public good, which should train people for life, without the influence of market determinisms. The book is an invitation to reflect in favor of a critical and defensive praxis capable of helping higher education to confront these ideologies without losing its mission to contribute to the development of the nation. Starting from the premise that the commodification of education is the result of the influence of neoliberal ideologies, the book studies philosophical, geographic-expansionist and sociological perceptions, highlighting Foucault, Harvey and Bourdieu as the figures who best describe, in a systematic way, the genesis, development and way in which society resists the effects of neoliberalism on life today. While recognizing the existence of various challenges facing HE, the book lists just five and their possible philosophical responses, which we believe can maintain the balance and essence of HEIs in the face of this monster of modern times.