Namet Ilahi PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Namet Ilahi Age: Current occupation: Retired Where you live: Toronto, Canada Your program: Ancient Philosophy Moral Philosophy Start date: 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 online or distance learning courses in philosophy. What alternatives were you considering at the time? Unfortunately most distance learning courses offered are on computer science, information technology or similar subjects. Yours was the first course in philosophy. When I read the description, I liked it even more. What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Flexibility in the management of the course, reasonably good standing in the profession, some contacts with other students and faculty. How do you feel about that decision now? I feel I took the right decision. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? Ancient Philosophy, Moral Philosophy. How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? I would have liked the study material linked to the popular textbooks on philosophy. When I started the study, I was surprised to find so much difference in the approaches of various authors to the different philosophers; one author would devote two chapters to an ancient philosopher, the other would dismiss him in just a third of a chapter. Your notes added even more to the diversity of the approaches. Quite often this diversity is stimulating but sometimes it is distracting. The problem is more prominent when you want to write an essay in response to your questions. If you concentrate on the notes alone, you can perhaps write five sentences. If you want to discuss the subject in some depth, you need some help in selecting the additional books to read. How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? My favourite book is Jonathan Barnes. I think it is superbly written. The next in importance is Kirk, Raven and Schofield. Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? Yes, I did. If such a course had been available, I would have taken a course on Plato. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? There is a great deal of information on the Pathway web pages-- from book lists to specimen essays to free first lessons. Very well done. How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? The information is all there — sometimes that can be overwhelming. A simple search mechanism should be very useful. If one stretches the imagination, perhaps even questions could be asked. In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? Yes 4. INTERACTION WITH YOUR MENTOR Who is/ was your Pathways mentor? Professor Klempner Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Yes. I am surprised how he manages to give full and comprehensive answers despite all the administrative work that he would be responsible for. How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? Unfortunately the weakness has been on my part since I did not have the time to work at a steady pace. How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? I took only one course in political philosophy and that was many many years ago. My teacher was the best I ever had. His job was to expand minds, to encourage students to think through various issues. I read Sir Ernest Barker's Plato and His Predecessors, and other books. also Lord Jowett's translation of Socratic Dialogues. When I finished the course, I promised myself that someday I would read those books again. I did get that opportunity many years later but it was a saddening experience. I was sad that time had overtaken even philosophy. Barnes' book is such a refreshing change over Barker's. 5. INTERACTION WITH OTHER STUDENTS Have you ever participated in the Pathways online conferences? No. I did not even know that such a facility existed. I would have loved to participate. 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? I have not attended any conference but I do hope that the topics are not always from moral philosophy. Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? Certainly. Let those students who want such interaction publish a short bio data and a brief description of the issues that he/she might like to participate in. 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? Feel more motivated to study philosophy. Also think through issues more philosophically. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? Definitely. Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? I do plan to study more. What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? Personally a very enriching experience. 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? I think there should be courses on political philosophy and ancient philosophy (Plato, Socrates and Aristotle) Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? Lukewarm. Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? Only if there are other things also to do. Travel and hotels are expensive. 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? 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? I will eventually write for Pathways. 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? N/A 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? The most likeable feature of the course is its flexibility. I have not yet finished Ancient Philosophy but I feel that I could still write essays for that course. The feature that I would like improved is the linkage of notes to books. 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? All right. 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.