Christos Paphitis PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Christodoulos Paphitis Age: 28 Current occupation: Banker Where you live: Limassol, Cyprus Your program: Metaphysics Start date: 03/05/2007 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 on the internet. I came across the Pathways Program by accident. I confirmed my decision when I saw a lead in a Prospectus of the University of London. What alternatives were you considering at the time? University of London external program in Philosophy. What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Tuition fees, Duration of the Program, Course Programs How do you feel about that decision now? I feel very lucky that I chose a good Program that meets the standards that I was expecting. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? I took the Metaphysics Program How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? The study material is a little more difficult that I was expecting. The material (units) given my the Program's mentor are leading to text books that are very wide in material and this leads to confusion about the Program's guideline. How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? The text books that I am studying are easier because they are more structured and they lead me the conclusions more easily. Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? Given the chance to have taken a different Philosophy Program, I would have taken the Ancient Philosophy Program. That is because given the Program that I am studying now I think it would have been much easier if I studied the 'Ancients' first. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? It provided me all the information I needed to make my decision. Not much study material about the courses. How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? It can be a different section with information about the Pathways Program and a totally different section about the current students with study material about the Programs. In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? Very accurate 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? Very happy considering my feedback How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? I think that the mentor interaction gives the opportunity to communicate any time for any matter. Given this I can't get any better. 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? Maybe a more private dialogue with students that are studying the same course. This can be done by sharing our email address with other students and developing a more personal relation by discussing in MSN Messenger. 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? First I have the world of Philosophy in my life that I find very interesting. I started to see the world in a more wide range and in a more optimistic way given the different ways of understanding Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? I will continue by studying another Pathways Program for now. Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? I am starting to see the world as a totality and I am also starting to find the connections in parts of life . I have found answers to many of the problems and questions that I am thinking for a long time now. 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? Maybe a project about Physics and Philosophy. How does physics apply to modern theories of Physics. Ex. Theory of Relativity , Quantum mechanics Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? I live in Cyprus so this is a far idea for me but I think it is a good one. That idea can also apply in meetings with students, current or past from the same country or town. Pathways Program can be the introducer and you can leave the rest to the students. Maybe by sharing emails or phone numbers. Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? It depends on the duration, subject and season. It is difficult for me to leave work but the idea is very much tempting. 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 think it is a very good idea. This can give a motivation for students to publish their work and inspiration to others. 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 had thoughts about writing something about Philosophy in Modern Physics but I do not have the time for now. I would be glad to read something similar. 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? No 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 would like to say my ''Thank You'' for all your work and contribution to my life and philosophy 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.