The ' Two Cultures ' debate of the 1960s between C.P. Snow and F.R. Leavis is one of the most misunderstood intellectual disputes of the 20th century. Most people think that the debate only revolved around the notion that our society is characterized by a divide between two cultures – the arts or humanities on one hand, and the sciences on the other. This book is based on an extended conversation between Howard Burton and University of Cambridge intellectual historian Stefan Collini— and author of the book, What Are Universities For? — which provides a careful examination and illuminating insights of what the issues really were in this debate. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Returning to the Source , and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: Cultural Assumptions - On the benefits of reading Saving the World - C.P. Snow’s moral agenda “Literary Osteoporosis” - Scientists vx. “literary intellectuals” Into the Mainstream - Snow becomes a sage Enter F.R. Leavis - Questioning authority Combatting Clichés - The Industrial Revolution and challenging prose The Fallout - Immediate and longer-term effects Lessons Learned? - Examining Leavis’ impact What Are Universities For? - Appreciating unique strengths Constructive Engagement - Critical inquiry and watching one’s language The Humanities vs. The Sciences - Ruminations on progress General Implications - The ongoing relevance of The Two Cultures About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series (100 books): Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers, including 3 Nobel Laureates, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research. Howard Burton holds a PhD in physics and an MA in philosophy, and was the Founding Director of Canada’s Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.