Katherine Ardizzone PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Katherine Ardizzone Age: 65 Current occupation: Retired Where you live: Perth Western Australia Your program: Pre-socratic philosophers Start date: 2006 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? I had been looking for a course that I could do at home. I had been attending a Philosophy Circle locally and enjoyed it but the time that it was held was inconvenient. I was buying Philosophy Now and saw the advertisement for the Pathways course What alternatives were you considering at the time? What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? If I would be able to do it How do you feel about that decision now? I am very pleased I took it on. It has made a big difference to me. I had read a couple of Philosophy books (they took a long time to read and absorb) but the Pathways course made ME into a rudimentary philosopher. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? Possible Worlds and I am partway through the Pre-Socratic philosophers. At the moment due to other things I have postponed it until sometime in the middle of the year (hopefully). Then I will continue. How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? The Possible Worlds course was wonderful — down at my level. The Pre-Socratic course was more difficult — and it did not help that I had other things on my mind. Obviously what was needed with this course was a bit more effort and research on my part. How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? Textbooks — unless they are Philosophy for Dummies — tend to expect that you know something about the subject. I found the Pathways material great — Possible Worlds particularly. I think my main problem with the Pre-Socratic course was that it is very difficult to envisage a time when people did not have the knowledge that we now have. Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? I wanted to do the Pre-Socratic course because I am interested in Ancient History. However I understand that it is the third course and perhaps I would have been better not jumping so far ahead and first doing the Pathways 2 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? I was very impressed with it especially when I was deciding whether I should begin a course. How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? See above In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? I thought that it did. 4. INTERACTION WITH YOUR MENTOR Who is/ was your Pathways mentor? Geoffrey Klempner Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? I certainly am. He has always been very encouraging and in fact some of his answers were a lesson in themselves. As I mentioned I was struggling with the Pre-Socratic course and I am sure he could see that my essays were a bit scrappy but he was always positive and helpful. How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? In my experience it is working very well How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? As mentioned I was involved with a Philosophy Circle which was basically a group of people who would take turns to present a topic and then there would be a general discussion. Good fun but it really didn't change your opinion. The Pathways courses have made me rethink my ideas — surely the very reason to study Philosophy. 5. INTERACTION WITH OTHER STUDENTS Have you ever participated in the Pathways online conferences? No If you did participate, how would you rate the quality of the philosophical discussion? If you did not participate, what kind of conference provision would tempt you to join the conference? The problem for me is the time difference. It precludes a lot of things. Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? Perhaps if students are willing on enrolment to allow a circulation of their email address that might be a way to contact others doing the same course. 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? As I have mentioned it really has made me rethink some of my preconceived ideas. It is very liberating — even though a little scary. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? I would like to continue on with the Pathways. If I get to the end of the six I think I would need a rest. Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? Other than Pathways — no What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? I get very enthusiastic about what I have learnt and want to share it with everyone — A consequence is they usually move to the other side of the room! No, really, it has opened my mind. It has made me think beyond, cooking and shopping and grandchildren to something infinitely more ...............! 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? I listened to a BBC programme 'In Our Time', in which Melvyn Bragg interviews three experts about various subjects. One of the back dated programmes was about Avicenna and I was amazed to hear of some of his thoughts especially on the question of existence. I am sure there are many other people in the Asian world — especially China and perhaps a course devoted to non Western philosophers and their influence, in not only their own world, but also in ours. Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? Would probably have to give that a miss Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? If you pay my fare! Currently, there are two free Pathways e-journals, Philosophy Pathways and Philosophy for Business. What are your thoughts about a third journal dedicated to publishing the best examples of course work by Pathways students? That sounds like a good idea. 8. CONTRIBUTING TO PATHWAYS Do you have any thoughts about possible articles for Philosophy Pathways or Philosophy for Business? Or have you already written a piece that you could send us? I don't think I am at that level yet. Have you have successfully completed the ISFP Associate or Fellowship Awards, or the first year of the University of London Diploma or BA in Philosophy? If so, would you like to join the panel of Ask a Philosopher? Wish I could say yes! If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? Same as question above 9. GENERAL ASSESSMENT In the most general terms, how would you rate your experience with Pathways: Strongly positive? More positive than negative? About equal? More negative than positive? Strongly negative? Strongly positive How would you summarize the reasons for your assessment? Pathways made a difference 10. PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE YOUR COMMENTS Are you prepared to allow us to reproduce any of your comments above, under your name, on the Pathways web site? Go ahead Or, is there something in particular you would be prepared to say for publication? Do it! It can only change your Life! **END OF QUESTIONNAIRE** Email info@philosophypathways.com if you would like to comment on this page.