Mike Finch PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Dr Michael Finch Age: 59 Current occupation: Chief Technology Officer Where you live: Massachusetts USA Your program: Fellowship Start date: April 2006 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? Read Naive Metaphysics book What alternatives were you considering at the time? None What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? To have a framework to explore my idea. How do you feel about that decision now? Glad I made it. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? No How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? I have not made a lot of use of it How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? 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? Yes How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? It was fine How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? 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? Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? Part of my ongoing project to philosophize Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? Yes Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? No What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? Yes, but on my own (unless you want to help me out!) Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? Probably not as I am in USA Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? Not from USA 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? I am not that interested personally 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? No 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? Yes to (1), not sure what is involved in being on the panel of 'Ask a Philosopher'. In any case, I am strongly independent (a maverick even). If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? 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? I needed the framework to do what I wanted to do, and that was provided, so my aims were met. 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? Yes Or, is there something in particular you would be prepared to say for publication? **END OF QUESTIONNAIRE** Email info@philosophypathways.com if you would like to comment on this page.