Tony Carpenter PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Tony Carpenter Age: 62 Current occupation: Retired Professional Engineer, Now Professional Tour Leader Where you live: Milan Italy Your program: Pathways Program A. The Possible World Machine Start date: September 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 an online course What alternatives were you considering at the time? Open University What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Flexibility i.e. doing the course at my own speed. I also wanted a mentor. Interaction is fundamental in Philosophy. How do you feel about that decision now? Definitely the right decision. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? Program A How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? Just about right How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? Far less academic 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 made the right choice as I was looking for an Introductory course. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? I have not used them much. I just use Google How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? 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? John Brandon Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Very happy How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? It works fine for me. How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? No experience 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? Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? See item 7 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? Well studying philosophy in general opens one's mind while leaving one with more questions then answers. However the mystery of life remains which is fine for me especially in today's world where many believe it is only a question of time before we have all the answers. The pathway's approach means I had to have the self discipline to complete the modules in a reasonable timeframe without of course any pressure. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? Very much so. Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? I attend philosophy conferences in Milan. I also plan to take another pathway's course. What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? On a practical level it has given me a chance to maintain my English writing skills which is useful since my main daily language is Italian. 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? 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 seems a good idea. Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? Yes for a 1 or 2 day conference. especially to meet my mentor. 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? Sounds good 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? 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? Easy to follow modules focused on philosophical topics rather then on philosophers. Enriching interaction with mentor. 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.