Walter Farr PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Walter Farr Age: 68 Current occupation: Retired Psychiatrist Where you live: Santa Fe New Mexico Your program: Pathways and Associate Start date: December 2003 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? I was surfing the net and found it by accident. What alternatives were you considering at the time? I had taken some evening courses at a university but I was in a remote spot and these were no longer available. What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? To get more deeply involved in Philosophy. How do you feel about that decision now? It was a good decision that I don't regret. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? Morals, Metaphysics, Language and Mind. How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? The degree of difficulty is about right for someone who is sufficiently motivated to read them several times and do some serious thinking. How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? I prefer the Pathways materials but it does take some adjustment. One has to be willing to try to follow a line of reasoning straight through without having it broken down for you as much. Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? I enjoyed all of the programs. Currently, I am bogged down in the Associate Program. This is partly due to an illness and to the new social phenomenon of the elderly taking care of the very elderly but even more to the fact that I haven't found a topic that is entirely suitable. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? In general, I think it is very good but I miss the regular communications. How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? An occasional update or communication. 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 my impression is that one can get about as much feedback or interaction as desired. How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? I imagine the mentor is governed by how much the student gives him to work with so I think the student has to decide how much he wants, perhaps, this could be pointed out to the student. How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? Even with the current exchange rate the tuition is about the same as taking a university course in the U.S. 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? If you did not participate, what kind of conference provision would tempt you to join the conference? I don't have any experience with this bit I imagine it would help if the conferees are working on the same topic. 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? It has removed the cobwebs from my brain and caused me to think more critically. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? I am enrolled in the Associate Program but somewhat bogged down. Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? Perhaps, expansion into other topics such as eastern philosophy, and the philosophy of science or politics. I have seen some interesting things on the philosophy of Biology and evolution. Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? This could be quite interesting. Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? Yes with sufficient notice. 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, perhaps, students would be less intimidated. 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? Not at the moment. 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? I had three years of exciting and stimulating work. The effect on my mental muscles was analogous to the effect that taking up and sticking to an exercise program has on the physical ones. 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.