Richard Myers PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Richard Myers Age: 62 Current occupation: None paid at present Where you live: Nr. Guildford, Surrey, England Your program: Possible Worlds Start date: July 2007 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? By accident while searching for a philosophy course What alternatives were you considering at the time? Open University What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? I liked the 'open' feel of some of the wording on the website. Also, the personal testament about ZAMM, because it was personal, and because I liked that book, too, and because that book had a view of philosophy as a living, urgent thing which suggested that the courses would be like that, too. Also, G Klempner replied to my personal query about what course to do very quickly and that was very helpful. How do you feel about that decision now? Basically, glad. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? Possible Worlds How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? Difficult but just about right — would not want it too easy. How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? The format of Possible Worlds units is [intro, story, 2 dialogues] gives rise to some ambiguities, of which the most obvious is that I am never sure if Dr Phillips in the dialogues is simply a mouthpiece for G Klempner or not. Arguments get raised and aired but not necessarily always neatly explained and put to bed at the end. I think this makes it all livelier, and it makes me think more, but there have been times when I have to say I am not sure I have understood. Hopefully, the process will mean I will remember it all better in a few months time, but I am not completely sure, because I think one needs some kind of framework or overview to structure the materials, and I don't think I have been given that — I will have to create it. For example, why are the units in the order that they are? 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 made right choice because I needed a basic course. Would like to do another later if time. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? Very useful when choosing course and I have referred to sample student essays a bit. But since I have started the course, I find the course materials quite demanding enough. How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? No comment In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? Yes 4. INTERACTION WITH YOUR MENTOR Who is/ was your Pathways mentor? Rachel Browne Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? I think she is great How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? I think the mentor's task on the Possible worlds course is difficult. It is not just a matter of bringing knowledge of the issues to bear. The form of presentation of the course really demands an intimate knowledge of how the course material presents the issues, and of the kinds of misunderstandings and half-understandings that can arise in a beginner's mind. How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? No one could be more encouraging or enthusiastic or personally involved than Rachel. 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? N/A If you did not participate, what kind of conference provision would tempt you to join the conference? Sorry — not sure Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? It could possibly be interesting to contact other students doing the same units at the same time, but it is possibly hard enough anyway to work out one's own clear understanding without taking on other people's confusions at the same time. 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? Am going to do an M.A. In philosophy. I find the experience of thinking /writing about philosophy exciting and strengthening. I would like to bring into consciousness my own 'take' on philosophical issues. I also hope I might even be able to earn a bit of a living from teaching 'a' level philosophy eventually. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? See above Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? See above What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? It is good to dignify the intellect which sometimes gets a bad press. 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? Sorry, 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? A good idea for some. It would have to be well structured to achieve anything other than a general sense of common interest. Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? Probably not, because of doing M.A. 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? Good idea. Of course, some student essays are already on the website. I suppose I don't know how much good stuff you get. 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, I am too basic. And I don't read magazines much, possibly this is a failing of mine. 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? N/A If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? N/A 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? It is unfailingly stimulating, and the mentor system is helpful. 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.