The University is Slow/er – Against Criticisms of “Slow” in “Slow Academia”

In this paper I argue in the defense of the use of “slow” as a concept in the “slow Academia” accounts against its various critics and their objections. First, I discuss selected characteristics of various proposals within the “slow Academia” movement. Next, I elaborate on selected criticisms addressed at these proposals with a focus on how said criticisms seek to undermine the validity of the notion of “slow.” I pursue a claim that, contrary to said objections, the University is, in fact, slow/er and by introducing the latter term I intend to draw attention to how slowness of the University actually is built upon being slower and slowing down (in various ways which I supporte through employing perspectives of educational thinking, topology and organology). However, I am not defending any particular account of “slow Academia” – the argument pursued here is aimed at defending the use of the notion of “slow” as not only acceptable but, most of all, as a proper one to characterize and discuss temporality of the Academia.