Edoardo Salvadori PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Edoardo Gesua sive Salvadori Age: 56 Current occupation: Self-employed Technical Consultant, Civil Engineer Where you live: Venice, Italy Your program: Associate Award Start date: February 2006 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? I was searching for a philosophy course by distant learning What alternatives were you considering at the time? None as I didn't find any other fine course. What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? I already knew the Philosophical Society of England with its academic qualifications (APhS, FPhS) and I thought it would have been a very good choice to take a course in philosophy through a sister of this prestigious institution. How do you feel about that decision now? I am about to conclude my course but till now I'm very satisfied with the results. 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? I'm pleased with my choice of program. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? Useful. How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? For the moment I am not able to give an answer. In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? It seems to me that the web site conveys an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways. 4. INTERACTION WITH YOUR MENTOR Who is/ was your Pathways mentor? Dr Geoffrey Klempner Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Yes, I am. How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? The current system works well; sometimes a prompter relation with tutor would be desirable. How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? Face-to-face tuition is obviously more direct. 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? A subject interesting to me where I feel up to express my opinion. Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? A dialogue among those students engaged in the same course and dealing with the same subject could be established, even if I realize that this is not so easy. 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? Studying Philosophy is a way to face the hard reality of life in a different way. I think it helps to feel more serene and to be at peace with oneself. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? Definitely yes. Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? Once I get my Associate Award, engagements permitting, I would like to enrol in the Fellowship Award but I don't know whether I am up to such a task. What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? A useful tool for expressing oneself freely and putting oneself in a different position with the other. 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? A distant learning course in Philosophical Counselling. 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 you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? Not at the present time. In the future, you never can tell. 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? It could be 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? 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? When I will be awarded the ISFP Associate Award, why not to join the panel of Ask a Philosopher? It would be an honour for me. 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? A useful and stimulating experience on the whole. 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, why not ? 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.