As you may know, the human behavior in academic environment is determined by his attitude and values. the question is, are there any basic academic values? how they create and develop or change and under which conditions we can cultivate these values?
A core value is creating new knowledge and being recognized for that research. However, the reality is that universities/colleges are competing and surviving (except for the top ones, like Harvard and Cambridge). Thus, subjects that are not considered "employable," like the humanities, are being cut from the curriculum for degrees that are seemingly attractive in the job market. In the U.S. there are more history PhDs than there are jobs. Thus, there will be a crisis point where (*early-career*) researchers in these affected fields find it too difficult to find research and academic jobs, in order to continue sharing their knowledge (the U.S. is nearly there). I think this is shaped by the reality that knowledge no longer holds the same value as it once did. I think senior academics are noticing the same trend too, from my anecdotal evidence. Academic jobs are being cut for more administrative/managerial roles, and even those who have published may never flourish.
the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) has published basic ethical rules for those of us in this field. However, I believe one's character is set long before one goes to the University anyway. These are the guidelines and values that make us who we are. The quest for knowledge and wisdom is never finished, and having worked for a Native American tribe for over thirty years I have gained even more of those things that bind me to the rest of humanity on this small globe.
In the process I have presented papers and published and continue to train staff for the Navajo Nation. Research can happen anywhere and on almost anything. One doesn't need an academic job at a large university to be useful. I give lectures and sometimes teach at a small community college where I live. It starts with us as individuals regardless of the "greater powers" that be or what "their plans" might be. I have my own ideas that I want to play out and see what comes my way.
Dears
Sabine and Peter
Thanks for Answers and sharing your ideas and experiences.
Best wishes
Mahdi
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