The University’s Responsibility: To Prepare for a Profession or for the Pursuit of Truth?

Universities were once understood not only as places where professional knowledge was transmitted, but also as institutions that cultivated individuals committed to the pursuit of truth. Their mission was to foster critical thinking, intellectual integrity, the ability to question, to argue, and to take responsibility for one’s conclusions. 

Today, higher education is increasingly seen as an investment in a profession rather than a journey in the pursuit of truth. Does this mean that the university has abandoned one of its most important historical missions? 

If universities primarily prepare employees rather than thinkers, who in society today remains responsible for truth as a value? In what ways and through which forms of education can universities cultivate critically thinking professionals? Where does personal development take place, and where does an ethical backbone take shape? And can the university step away from this responsibility? 

This discussion invites us to consider whether universities still have a moral responsibility to educate people in pursuit of truth, and in what ways higher education can help prepare a person for a successful life. 

Discussion participants: 

• Dr. Aušrinė Jurgelionytė – Head of the Student Services and Career Centre at Vilnius University  
• Dr. Valdas Jaskūnas – Vice-Rector of Vilnius University; Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies, Vilnius University  
• Prof. Paulius Vaidotas Subačius – Professor at the Faculty of Philology, Vilnius University; Chief Adviser to the Rector 
• Dr. Vytė Maneikienė – VU Santaros hospital doctor cardiologist 

The discussion will be held in Lithuanian.