EUROPE OF THE UNIVERSITIES

Universities came into existence in Europe in the Middle Ages in response to the need, variously felt by the rapidly evolving societies of the era, for institutions which could organize advanced training in certain key areas of knowledge. When nniversities have vigorously promoted, responded to, and influenced the development of culture, they have occupied major positions in the intellectual lives of societies. When they have locked themselves into prevailing orthodoxies, they have stagnated, and their privileged positions have been challenged by parallel institutions of humanism and of science. Because universities are so much a part of the unifying elements of European culture as well as being principal initiators of them, they are called upon to contribute to what has been, in recent years, a notable rebirth of interest among Europeans in a reaffirmation of the cultural unity of their continent. Universities are therefore invited to participate in a number of projects sponsored by Unesco, by official and international organizations of the European countries, and by nongovernmental organizations, aimed at furthering European cultural development and unity within diversity by direct and by indirect means.