The scene: Inside the Perry-Castañeda Library, falling asleep to a paperback of Plato's Republic. Socrates materializes before me in a sudden, disconcerting flash of light.Me. Socrates, why am I here? Socrates. Your parents wanted it that way. I'm afraid I don't follow the intent of your question. I mean, in this university, of course. What am I doing here? Is there an ethical or moral justification for my obtaining a college education? What is the purpose of my education? Socrates. I don't think I can provide an adequate answer. You're a college student, while I'm just an ancient philosopher, so it seems like you'd be in a better position to answer your own question. Why do you think you are here in college? I. Well, I have to be here to prepare for a future job, for a career. Socrates. Yes, that's one way of perceiving the situation, I suppose. However, your definition is quite narrow and limited, isn't it? I. But isn't that what people do in college? They choose their majors, take the right courses to prepare them for their future careers, and ultimately graduate with degrees that will help them find jobs. At least, that's what our state legislators keep telling me. By achieving a worthwhile career, I can provide for both my family and society as a whole. Therefore, I must argue that the justification for a college education lies in its ability to provide a fruitful career. Socrates. Yes, this is true. However, I hope that pursuing a career is not the only reason you are at this university. You have no intention of becoming a linguist, I presume? I. Obviously not! Not that there's anything wrong with linguists. Socrates. Why did you sign up for the course......middle sheet......e.g. Socrates. However, does such a mathematical proof really require human imagination or can it be successfully constructed by an automaton? Does the student really synthesize some new idea in his new evidence of a long-known fact? I. I would say yes, even if your questions give me some reservations. Wouldn't the mathematical proof generated by an automaton simply be a reflection on the imagination of its creator? Socrates. There is no point arguing back and forth about the semantics of the word “imagination.” I fear that we have not yet managed to define a concrete purpose for university education. Ah, I was afraid you might say something like that. Suddenly I wake up to the loud crash of books on the floor. I blink a few times, trying to compose myself, but Socrates has disappeared from the ether of my dreams and is back in the pages of Plato's Republic..