169. Ian F. McNeely, Historian of Knowledge and Dean

Show Notes:

Ian McNeely talks about his academic path, including a PhD in History from the University of Michigan and a position in the Society of Fellows at Harvard. He met his wife at Harvard, and they both found work at the University of Oregon where they became professors. They raised a family and lived there for 24 years. In 2024, Ian moved to UNC Chapel Hill, where he continues as a professor of history and oversees undergraduate education. 

The Society of Fellows

When asked about the Society of Fellows,  Ian explains that he thought of it as a mystique during his undergraduate years. The Society was conceived in the 1930s as an alternative to the PhD, offering young men (later women) a three-year fellowship with no academic requirements. Ian attended lavish dinners and lunches with other fellows, including senior fellows from Harvard faculty. He met his wife at the Society, and the fellowship allowed him to convert his dissertation into a book, which was crucial for his tenure.

Exploring  the History of Knowledge

Ian explains how he and his wife co-wrote a book on the history of knowledge, covering various institutions like libraries, monasteries, and universities. He describes the different definitions of knowledge across these institutions, from written debates in libraries to scientific experiments in laboratories. Ian emphasizes the importance of institutions in defining what counts as knowledge. He discusses the role of vernacular knowledge and how it has been institutionalized over time.

A Fellow’s Activities

Ian talks about his activities as a fellow. He describes his monastic approach, focusing on conversations with people outside his field. Ian interacted with particle physicists, art historians, and other disciplines, which broadened his perspective. He bonded with his wife, who is a medieval historian, over their mutual disdain for the Renaissance. Ian values the diverse group of equals in the Society of Fellows and the opportunity to explore various aspects of knowledge.

The Politicization of Higher Education

The conversation turns to Ian's current role as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education at UNC Chapel Hill. He discusses the politicization of higher education and the challenges of the proliferation of knowledge. Ian emphasizes the importance of helping students diversify their intellectual portfolios to hedge against unpredictability, and he expresses optimism that AI will be a force multiplier rather than a replacement for human judgment and expertise.

The Impact of AI on Undergraduate Education

Ian believes AI will not replace human judgment but will be a force multiplier for routine tasks. He stresses the importance of communication skills, teamwork, ethical judgment, and aesthetic judgment in the face of AI. Ian advises students to use AI as a refinement tool after doing cognitive heavy lifting themselves. He emphasizes the importance of preserving curiosity-driven knowledge alongside applied knowledge, and he states  that rote-type learning will not be needed while high-level skills will be sought by employers. 

The Changing Definition of Knowledge 

Ian explains that, over the past two decades,  the shift towards justifying knowledge in economic or scientific terms, especially in the United States. He talks about the value of interpretation and judgement, and how he is concerned that students are losing the ability to do the cognitive heavy lifting of assessing research and determining the gaps in information. Ian's administrative career reflects his efforts to balance these two aspects of knowledge. Ian advises students to use AI as a refinement tool after doing their own cognitive heavy lifting, but he stresses the importance of taking time in nature to write by hand and give the mind time to think. 

The Meeting of Medieval and Modern History

Ian talks about the difference between his wife’s studies in medieval history  to his own. Creative thinking plays a role in the study of medieval history where there are gaps in knowledge and errors of interpretation; this contrasts with Ian’s field of study which drew research from  a high level of bureaucracy. He explains why he structured their book, Reinventing Knowledge,  to combat information overload. Ian shares his experience of empowering others in his professional life and giving up the desire to control outcomes. Ian also reflects on the importance of humility and the value of learning a new language to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures.

Harvard Reflections

Ian mentions Math 25 with Mark McConnell, which taught him rigorous thinking and precision, and he highlights a course on European Political development 1850 to 1950 by Peter Baldwin, which inspired him to become a European historian. Ian states that he  values the bridge between the arts and sciences provided by these courses.

Timestamps:

02:09: The Society of Fellows at Harvard 

04:07: Ian's Research and Book on the History of Knowledge 

09:43: Ian's Experience as a Fellow and Interactions with Other Disciplines 

11:21: Ian's Role as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education at UNC Chapel Hill 

12:11: The Impact of AI on Higher Education 

23:29: Ian's Perspective on the Evolution of Knowledge 

28:17: Ian's Personal Reflections and Recommendations 

32:56: Influential Courses and Professors at Harvard

Links:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/University-Unfettered-Public-Education-Disruption/dp/0231220588

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Reinventing-Knowledge-Alexandria-Ian-McNeely/dp/0393337715

Contact: https://history.unc.edu/person/ian-f-mcneely/

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