Alfred Murray PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Alfred Murray Age: 42 Current occupation: Merchant Marine Officer Where you live: Mississippi USA Your program: Epistemology, U of L external. Start date: 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? A good question, do you believe in Fate? I was searching for a Philosophy Course to direct a structured reading of Philosophy. What alternatives were you considering at the time? USA online universities or a for profit 'college'. What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? The credentials of Dr Klempner and the structure of the program allows freedom to explore yet staying on topic. How do you feel about that decision now? Still feel this is a unique and very valid program that more should be exploring. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? N/A How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? N/A How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? N/A Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? To be explored. why? Hope to take them all someday. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? Great site. 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? Dr Klempner, a very honest and straight forward mentor. I am grateful he undertook me. Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Yes, Very, my bull-headiness lies with me, and as my wife points out, honest feedback is great therapy for me. How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? Unusual in America and the system is a great way to hear honest, educated and constructive feedback on direction of study. 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? n/a If you did not participate, what kind of conference provision would tempt you to join the conference? unaware 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? Opened my mind to question the premises of life. Not often appreciated by bosses and government officials. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? Yes, I read everyday whether in topic or not. Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? Yes, still would wish to proceed to a degree level someday. What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? Changes understanding of the world and the actions myself and others make within it. 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? expand topic areas. 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 be a great tool and a system of support. Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? would have to weigh that with finances and timing 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? Cool 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? Yes a few articles on the structure and ethics of a 'safety culture' in industrial workplaces. The failure of companies to acknowledge their own actions as unethical. i.e. the office culture of shifting of blame to workers in the operational field when source of errors begin in management structure or policies... 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? My situation is unique because of my life of going to sea. It is not in that I have a job and family. Watches and hectic/chaotic work schedules for four months, then home for a few months. This makes time for dedicated concentrating study difficult. The periods of broken paychecks just adds to the stress. Pathways and the mentoring have helped me understand the failures within my essays and therefore the direction of my readings. Other courses I have taken in other areas outside of Philosophy are very structured and do not allow one the freedom to leave the set parameters of the courses. Material then is allowed to be more fully explored under Pathways. It is a difficult endeavor,when the task is developing thought and not a memorizing of a list of topic points. The ability to communicate with other students would be a great help in the feelings of being alone in study. 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.