University extensionism: expression of love for humanity or dominion?

Abstract

Are the practices proposed by the University of Cordoba in Argentina during the nineteenth century, or by the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford in the fourteenth century, really the first manifestations of extensionism in history? In response, a review of history was carried out, chronologically addressing concepts of acquisition and transfer of knowledge, the influence of mathematical notions such as determinism, indeterminism, chaos and quantum physics were questioned; and the dichotomy of love or dominance in university extension was questioned.  The results of applying the abductive method reveal that, in its beginnings, polymathy, understood today as "inter and multi-knowledge" products, offered answers to human needs, turning them into universal goods destined to face phenomena adverse to existential interests. Currently, the concept of university extension is understood in some latitudes as the extension of influence and resources beyond the university campus, contrary to its origin and reality. The evolution of university extension reflects how educational institutions have adapted their role in the face of social, economic and technological changes throughout history. University extension not only seeks the dissemination of knowledge, but also active interaction with society, continuous improvement, promoting sustainable development, social equity and innovation. This dual way of transferring knowledge and resources between the university and the community generates synergies that enhance collective well-being and scientific and cultural progress. Extensionism is defined: the transfer of knowledge for the construction of universal goods.