Great Books Foundation

The Great Books Foundation is an independent nonprofit educational organization. It was established in 1947 by Robert Maynard Hutchins and Mortimer Adler, with the mission of promoting lifelong education through the reading and discussion of outstanding literature.

History

The foundation began as a grassroots movement to encourage Americans to engage in a "Great Conversation" with authors of significant works, particularly those in the Western canon. By publishing paperback editions of recommended readings, many of which were previously out of print or only available in costly editions, the organization made these texts more accessible to the public[1][2].

In 1960, the Junior Great Books program was introduced, extending the foundation's mission to children in kindergarten through high school. This program became integral to various school curriculums, supported by grants from organizations like the Ameritech Foundation and the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation[2][4].

Programs

The Great Books Foundation operates two main programs:

• Junior Great Books: Designed for students in kindergarten through high school, this program inspires students to explore essential ideas and learn critical thinking skills through the Shared Inquiry method[3][5].
• Great Books Discussion: This program serves college students, continuing education, and book groups, fostering critical thinking and civic engagement through discussions of literature[1].

Shared Inquiry Method

The Shared Inquiry method is a distinctive approach developed by the foundation. It involves starting discussions with open-ended questions, encouraging participants to develop their ideas without the leader providing answers. This approach is similar to Socratic discussion but is tailored to foster collaborative inquiry[1][3].

Impact

Over the years, the Great Books Foundation has helped thousands of people across the U.S. and internationally begin discussion groups in schools, libraries, and community centers. It has also expanded its reach through digital platforms, making its educational resources accessible worldwide[2][3].

Grants and Collaborations

The foundation has received grants from various organizations, including the Ameritech Foundation, the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. These grants have supported initiatives like enhancing urban school curriculums and engaging in national conversations about race and culture[2][4].

Publications

In addition to its educational programs, the Great Books Foundation publishes anthologies of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Recent publications include Immigrant Voices, Imperfect Ideal: Utopian and Dystopian Visions, and Big Ideas in Popular Culture, among others[2][4].

The organization also published The Common Review magazine from 2001 to 2011[1].

Mission and Impact

The Great Books Foundation aims to advance critical thinking and civic engagement through discussions of works of enduring value. By promoting literacy and critical thinking, it seeks to form reflective, knowledgeable citizens equipped to participate in a democratic society[3][4].