Jeffrey Durkin PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Jeffrey William Durkin Age: 57 Current occupation: Research Officer at University of Western Australia - casual basis — Formerly Computer Manager retired. Where you live: Perth Western Australia Your program: First pathway program Start date: 2008 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? No I was investigating a Philosophy Degree at UWA and the University advertised pathways as a means to resolve whether one should enrol into Philosophy, i.e. do you really want to undertake Philosophy course What alternatives were you considering at the time? Philosophy Degree at UWA What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Understanding what exactly Philosophy meant and whether I was capable of undertaking further study in the area. How do you feel about that decision now? I am still coming to grips with whether I am really am capable of undertaking a Philosophy course/degree. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? I am currently up to unit 5 of first pathways series programme a. Introduction to Philosophy. How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? The study material is not difficult. However each unit fails to set out exactly what the expected outcome for the student. Maybe that is good in one sense but might confuse in another sense. How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? The materials appear to more tutorial rather than text book in context. There is an assumption that reader has read or should read other Philosophers, e.g. Hume is quoted many times. However that is not clear. Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? At the moment I am happy with the pathway and will only really know the answer to this question when I have reached the end of programme A. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? Have not fully investigated yet — so not valid for me to answer. How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? Just a small hint for pages and texts — Spell checks should be performed. In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? No Comment 4. INTERACTION WITH YOUR MENTOR Who is/ was your Pathways mentor? Geoffrey Klempner Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Yes although sometimes I am not sure exactly what is meant — usually requires a reread and all fits into place. How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? I think there should be clarification on how one interacts with the mentor. Is it only in response to the Unit and one's response to them? Or are a series of email debating issues allowable. This I think needs some clarification. How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? I undertook a unit in my undergraduate degree some 40 years ago so I am not sure one can compare given memory lapses. The unit then was a structured set of lectures on the Philosophy of Science and revolved more around the philosophy of the day and how science changed either due to philosophy or philosophy itself.. 5. INTERACTION WITH OTHER STUDENTS Have you ever participated in the Pathways online conferences? No I don't feel comfortable in my knowledge to participate. If you did participate, how would you rate the quality of the philosophical discussion? No comment If you did not participate, what kind of conference provision would tempt you to join the conference? Confidential interchange where ideas could be put forward that may not be correct in some sense. Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? Undecided. 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? It is a bit late — I am really using Pathways to justify my understanding of my view of life. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? I will review when I finish course. I have a feeling yes but that will depend on response of mentor. Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? No — maybe. What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? No comment at moment. 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? Not sure at the moment as I don't want to comment out of turn until I finish pathways programme. I must say the history of Philosophy and its relation to science still intrigues me. I am not sure how much that will come through in rest of programme. Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? So So. Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? Will you pay my airfare and accommodation? A bit difficult from Australia. 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? Yes — I think that would be good. Or is another approach to use the best articles or work to allow the student to publish a Philosophical article in a noted journal. This would mean a lot of work by mentor for I am sure there would need to be co-author arrangements. This might encourage students to participate further in Philosophy. 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 am not sure because I don't know exactly what piece one is looking for. 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 I haven't. If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? Time will tell — hopefully I may even consider a BA. 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? More positive than negative How would you summarize the reasons for your assessment? I am enjoying the units and responding — However I am not sure if I am really heading in the right direction with my Philosophical meanderings. Using the basis of Science fiction or imagination to develop alternative worlds leaves me a little despondent. 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 — provided they fit in with the thrust that you wish to push. 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.