Pathways to Philosophy
questions and answers

Why six Pathways?

Human beings are prompted to explore the world of philosophy by a variety of different experiences and for a variety of reasons. Not everyone is looking for the same thing. Pathways meets this need in a practical way, by providing a choice of six programs, each with its own distinct character and challenge. What the student discovers, however, is that philosophy is not many things but one thing in different forms: the attempt to think in an original and disciplined way about what it means to be us, what it means to talk about a world, and the nature of our relation to that world.

Who are Pathways programs for?

Many of Pathways students combine their studies with a full-time career. However, there are also Pathways students in their teens, or retired, or looking after a family. There are Pathways students with bachelor and masters degrees or doctorates, while others have never set foot inside a university. The only common denominator among Pathways students is intelligence and an inquiring mind.

Who runs Pathways?

Pathways is devised and run by Dr Geoffrey Klempner, Director of Studies of the International Society for Philosophers [CV]. Dr Klempner's book Naive Metaphysics is based on a series of lectures written for the Workers Educational Association, where he worked as a Philosophy tutor 1987–2004. Many of the ideas for the Pathways programs were first tried out in these evening classes and also with undergraduate students at Sheffield University where Dr Klempner taught in the Philosophy Department 1991–1995.

Have I got what it takes to study philosophy?

In order to benefit from studying philosophy, you need to have imagination as well as a capacity for logical thinking. The task of the philosopher requires patience, integrity and above all modesty in the evaluation of one's intellectual powers in the face of problems that refuse to yield to quick, easy solutions. Philosophy above all is for people who want to question. If all you are looking for is a ready-made system of beliefs, then philosophy is not for you.

How can Pathways help me to get into university?

Departments of philosophy are keen to recruit students who have pursued independent study of the subject. However, they will naturally prefer those who can offer hard evidence of their ability and potential. All Pathways students receive a report from the Director of Studies on completing their program which can be used to support their application for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course. Students can also request a confidential reference in support of university applications.

What if I have no plans to go to university?

When you complete your Pathways program you will receive a Certificate validated by the International Society for Philosophers. In addition, you will be able to use your Pathways work as a starting point for study towards the ISFP Associate and Fellowship awards, or a University of London Diploma or BA. See Associate and Fellowship Programs and Awards and University of London BA and Diploma in Philosophy.

How are the Pathways structured?

There are six Pathways programs. Each program is divided into fifteen units of around 5000 words. To complete a program you are required to write five set essays of around 800 words. You are also invited to send your questions and comments in response to each unit. Your Pathways mentor will write an 800 word letter in response to each piece of work that you send for appraisal.

How long does it take to complete a program?

When you complete the Pathways application form, you can choose to receive units at intervals of between one and four weeks, or ask for your units to be sent on request. Normally, it takes 30–40 weeks to complete a Pathways program if you opt to receive your units at intervals of two weeks. However, there is no time limit for completing a Pathways program, and you are not required to submit course work at the same rate as you receive units.

How good does my English have to be?

There are many students taking Pathways whose first language is not English. If you are able to read and understand the material on this web site then your English is almost certainly adequate. Writing philosophy should not cause any special problems. Philosophical ideas do not need to be expressed in perfect English in order to be communicated and understood.

What programs are on offer?

The choice is wide-ranging. There are programs in the philosophy of mind, ancient philosophy, the philosophy of language, moral philosophy and metaphysics. There is also an introductory program based on a series of science fiction short stories covering most of the major problem areas in philosophy.

Could I do a Pathways program?

If you have got this far, the answer is probably, Yes. Each Pathway is designed to be accessible to the intelligent student who has no prior knowledge of philosophy, while at the same time being sufficiently challenging to hold the interest of more experienced students. If you are prepared to put the work in, your efforts will be well rewarded.