Gordon Fisher PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Gordon Fisher Age: 82 Current occupation: Professor emeritus, Mathematics (retired) Where you live: South Salem, NY, USA Your program: Pathways (3 written programs), ISFP (starting) Start date: [August 06] 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? Google search What alternatives were you considering at the time? University courses What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? The setup for distance learning, choice of topics How do you feel about that decision now? I have a warm feeling about it 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? Three: Introduction, Language, Mind How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? About right How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? Favorably, given the method of instruction Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? So far, so good 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? Moderately useful How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? No ideas 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? Geoffrey Klempner Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Yes, indeed How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? Works well How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? Favorably 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? Not relevant If you did not participate, what kind of conference provision would tempt you to join the conference? E-mail invitation or notification Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? No ideas 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? Lots of fun, and new vistas opened Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? Evidently I cant give it up I've been at it, one way and another, for about 70 years Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? May do What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? Takes my mind off of more annoying matters, such as politics 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? Is this an essay question? Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? Interesting, but unlikely that I would be able to participate Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? That would be a major operation at my age, although my daughter worked in London for some 15 years and her husband is English, I suppose I might go with them to Blighty sometime. 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? Im working now on a piece concerning philosophy of language which I intend to send to my mentor, which might for a change be acceptable 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, but I hope to Im currently enrolled in the ISFP Associate program If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? Not relevant, although I do have a PhD in mathematics (1959), and did all the course work for an MS in computer science (1983-1985), and occasionally taught university courses in history of science 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? 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.