Why do we need universities?

The article examines the human need for education through the prism of philosophical anthropology of university. In order to show the cyclical development of university idea throughout the history of this social institution, the author presents the main stages of transformation of university in the socio-cultural, political and economic focus. Attention is drawn to the development of the idea and mission of university along a spiral trajectory, taking into account the transformations of society and the state where the university is developing. It is concluded that at the present stage of development, it can certainly remain a social institution that provides society with the necessary knowledge and skills to work with risks in conditions of uncertainty, taking into account the path of development of higher education and the prospects of cooperation with modern global corporations, socio-cultural systems, business and production.