Cornell Jaray
PERSONAL DETAILS
Full name: Cornell Jaray
Age: 86
Current occupation: Retired
Where you live: California
Your program: Phil of Language
Start date: 2007
1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS
How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? I was looking for online course in philosophy
What alternatives were you considering at the time? Univ of Indiana
What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Just to broaden my knowledge
How do you feel about that decision now? It was certainly broadened. I must confess that my lack of formal logic training was a major stumbling block. But like everything else, it is the after effects which are more important. As my readings widen in scope I encounter more and more references which now make sense.
2. STUDY MATERIALS
Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? Philosophy of Language
How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? Too difficult but because of lack of sufficient background.
How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? Dr. Klempner's lectures were quite good.
Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? Addressed previously. I would try a different course should occasion arise.
3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE
How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? Quite comprehensive
How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? Spoke to Dr. Klempner about this.
In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? Probably if enough effort is made to thoroughly research
4. INTERACTION WITH YOUR MENTOR
Who is/ was your Pathways mentor? I confess that my hard drive was wiped out and I lost all records. [John Brandon]
Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Yes. He was most helpful and encouraging (and I needed lots of that).
How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? The mentor program, I assume, hews closely to the British University system of tutorial supervision. I regret to say that I (and I am speaking personally) require more regimentation.
How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? Quite fair
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? No opinion
Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? It is difficult to have discussion forums unless the courses run within a strict time frame. Then I feel that discussions between and among students taking same course might be helpful.
6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS
What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? For one, I am a few dollars poorer, not because of tuition but because of all of the books I bought voluntarily.
Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? Absolutely.
Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? I have since taken a course in Phil of Religion.
What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? Can't comment
7. FUTURE PROJECTS
Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? I would like to see more formal classes. i.e. syllabus, assigned readings,
Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? No opinion
Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? No
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 would probably be well received.
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? No
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? Unprepared as I was, my almost random readings did indeed open new vistas.
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? If you think they are helpful
Or, is there something in particular you would be prepared to say for publication? No
**END OF QUESTIONNAIRE**
Email info@philosophypathways.com if you would like to comment on this page.