Stylianos Pantazis PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Stylianos Pantazis Age: 32 Current occupation: Medical Doctor (private practice of Holistic Health in the evening, working as a Medical Advisor in Big Pharma in the morning) Where you live: Athens, Greece Your program: I took modules I and II Start date: Last year, December? 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? I was searching through the internet for info generally on philosophy and I found philosophy pathways through google and I thought it would be great (and it was) What alternatives were you considering at the time? None, I 'm working more than I can handle right now What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? If I can make it with time management (and I did not!) How do you feel about that decision now? It was good (but my time was not enough 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? I and II How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? Mostly, it was moderate, but some chapters were hard How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? I think better (studying philosophy from "classic" books is VERY hard, and you get lost). When I started pathways, I wanted to study some philosophy, but I was totally lost. I did not know what book to read first. I had studied some Nietzsche and some classical philosophers (ancient and modern), but I could not get the big picture. I did not know how to approach the subject. Now I feel more confident, even if I did not manage to finish the modules. 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 think the program I chose was OK. Trying something else would be even more demanding. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? Clear and precise. Having the chance to read some material before starting the course was very helpful. No surprises after I started the course How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? I don't know. I think it is OK. In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? Yes. Being able to read the material online was very helpful for me to decide. 4. INTERACTION WITH YOUR MENTOR Who is/ was your Pathways mentor? Nikos Bakalis 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? I think it is simple and OK How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? I have not taken any other philosophy courses, but face-to-face courses would seem better, but I do not have the time to attend, anyway. 5. INTERACTION WITH OTHER STUDENTS Have you ever participated in the Pathways online conferences? I have read some, but I have posted few If you did participate, how would you rate the quality of the philosophical discussion? I think the rate was not high. More of opinions than knowledge. I think mentors should take part more actively. 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? Yes, I would, but I do not know how. 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? I think it has added to my understanding of things and realising what philosophy is all about Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? I have not completed the course, but no I will not study philosophy in the foreseeable future Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? no, no What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? It has enhanced my understanding of some subjects and it has deepened my knowledge of some others. It has given me a wider perspective on ethical issues. 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? No Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? Sounds good Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? No, due to time constraints 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? Not bad 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? 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? Easy to use, fairly priced (for a non-certificate course), simple, no surprises. 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.