Sharpening the Conservative Mind. The American Right's Reception and Reconstruction of Allan Bloom's "The Closing of the American Mind"

Table of Contents

Introduction

I. American Conservatism from the End of the Second World War to 1987

II. The American Right's Reception of The Closing of the American Mind upon Publication

III. American Conservatism from 1987 until Today

IV. The American Right's Reception of The Closing of the American Mind until Today

V. Conclusion

Research Objectives and Themes

This thesis examines the reception and reconstruction of Allan Bloom's 1987 book, The Closing of the American Mind, within the American conservative movement. It explores how various conservative intellectuals and publications initially perceived the work, how these interpretations evolved over time, and the extent to which Bloom’s critique of contemporary higher education and culture became integrated into the conservative intellectual arsenal.

• The historical development of post-1945 American conservatism.
• The initial intellectual and political reactions of the American Right to Bloom’s work upon its 1987 publication.
• The long-term impact of Bloom’s ideas on conservative discourse regarding academia, culture, and relativism.
• The shifting perceptions of Bloom from a perceived independent thinker to a cornerstone of conservative cultural critique.
• The intersection of intellectual conservatism with grassroots movements, such as the Tea Party.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Introduction: This chapter introduces Allan Bloom and his book, establishing the academic and cultural context of 1987 while framing the university as the primary site of Bloom's concerns regarding the state of the American mind.

I. American Conservatism from the End of the Second World War to 1987: This section provides a historical overview of the evolution of the American Right, tracing its development from fragmented post-war origins to the electoral and intellectual successes of the Reagan era.

II. The American Right's Reception of The Closing of the American Mind upon Publication: This chapter details the immediate, predominantly favorable reaction from conservative intellectuals and publications, who saw in Bloom an ally in their cultural critique.

III. American Conservatism from 1987 until Today: This chapter analyzes the trajectory of American conservatism following the Reagan administration, covering the rise of the Christian Right, the impact of the Clinton and Bush years, and the emergence of the Tea Party.

IV. The American Right's Reception of The Closing of the American Mind until Today: This section examines how conservative engagement with Bloom's work persisted through subsequent decades, noting how his critique was re-contextualized during later anniversaries of the book.

V. Conclusion: The conclusion synthesizes the findings, arguing that while Bloom remained an independent thinker, his work ultimately served as a vital intellectual resource for the American Right in its ongoing culture wars.

Keywords

Allan Bloom, The Closing of the American Mind, American Conservatism, Neoconservatism, Higher Education, Cultural Wars, Relativism, 1960s, Intellectual History, Reagan Era, Roger Kimball, Cultural Criticism, Right-Wing Intelligentsia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this thesis?

The work investigates the reception and utilization of Allan Bloom’s 1987 book, The Closing of the American Mind, by the American conservative intellectual movement.

What are the central themes discussed?

The thesis focuses on the history of American conservatism, the role of intellectuals in political movements, the debate over moral and cultural relativism, and the perceived decline of liberal arts education.

What is the central research question?

It seeks to determine the initial impact and lasting influence of Bloom’s work on American conservative thought and how conservatives reconstructed his ideas to fit their political and cultural agendas.

Which scientific methodology is employed?

The research relies on historical and intellectual analysis, examining primary sources such as contemporary book reviews, essays in conservative journals, and academic responses to Bloom's work.

What is covered in the main body of the text?

The main body covers the historical context of the American Right since 1945, the immediate and long-term reception of Bloom's book by conservative figures, and the evolution of the conservative movement through the post-Reagan era.

Which keywords best characterize this research?

The key themes are American conservatism, Allan Bloom, intellectual history, the cultural wars, and the debate surrounding the university system.

Why did conservatives embrace Bloom despite his resistance to the "conservative" label?

Conservatives valued Bloom’s scathing critique of the 1960s, his attack on moral relativism, and his reverence for Western "intellectual patrimony," which aligned with their own goal of opposing progressive cultural tendencies.

How did conservative opinion of the book evolve from 1987 to the present?

Initial reactions were optimistic about potential academic reform, but over time, as the perceived cultural decline deepened, the book transitioned from a contemporary debate piece into a foundational monument of conservative thought.