This article provides an overview of both the problems and dilemmas that weigh heavy on the Western university. It begins with a broad historicaloverview and then focuses on critical moments that have caused important transformations within the institution of higher education. Finally,the article explores the Western university in the contemporary period, emphasizing the situation in Latin America. The work is located withinthe theoretical framework of two important scholars: José Joaquín Brunner and Boaventura de Sousa Santos. The main goal of the article isto introduce readers to past and present milestones in the history of the Western university. It also seeks to contribute to public debate–stillunaddressed–on what the character and role of Latin American universities should be.