Holistic education: A sustainable model for the future

Abstract

The role of higher education and of universities stands at a critical position in the twenty first century. There exists a need to identify a sustainable paradigm for higher education and the existential role of universities. Additionally, the concept of the ‘third mission’ is becoming an important indicator across Europe for measuring the success of universities. The need to identify the existential role of universities and the need for a sustainable model of higher education and incorporation of the third mission presents an ideal opportunity for the development of a holistic model of evolution. This article argues that higher education can and should be viewed from a holistic perspective by introducing a new model called ‘Telos’ that describes the evolution of individuals and societies concerning many features of development from an integral perspective. Societal integration is identified as being part of the existential role of universities, with Telos as a framework applied through the third mission which acts to integrate individuals, businesses and society.