Kevin Burke PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Kevin Burke Age: 49 Current occupation: Office Assistant Where you live: Newcastle Australia Your program: Possible worlds Start date: Jan 07 ? 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? By accident; I think it was an ad on an About.com site What alternatives were you considering at the time? Community college course, University What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Learning to develop thinking skills, desire to more rational about the way I interpret the world around me How do you feel about that decision now? It was worth a try but (for me) it was too abstract/ too high a level in the context of a correspondence course. The program covered what I was/am interested in but I didn't know how to get into it. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? Possible worlds How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? Too hard How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? Both better and worse.By combined the potential of 'science fiction' with a class room I initially felt I was in a comfortable/familiar setting but quickly realised that I was out of my depth; I just couldn't grasp the concept of the 'realness' or otherwise of potential worlds — My understanding of what makes something real meant I had no ideas how to judge. Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? It was the right choice but I wasn't able to make use of it. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? I haven't visited the site for some time but from what I remember it was useful but not easy to find what I was looking for. How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? After answering the above question I checked out the Pathways sites and there is both too much and too little. For a first timer there is too much/too many options and too little introduction. I think that the pathways pages are catering for those who are already sophisticated thinkers (more sophisticated than me). For example on your How-to-do-it-guide your use of the quote "I just don't know (how) to'think!'" indicates that you know how some people feel when considering philosophical issues. However after being guided to the 'why study philosophy' page; which is encouraging and informative as to the benefits of philosophy the page is too heavy. One the other hand more basic introductory (simple) material is lacking. This could be done so that the more experienced could skip but others (me) could learn about your programs and what level it is aimed at. Possibly suggested pre-reading or other method to gauge whether a potential student is ready, such as similar (but less advanced) material from other sources. Of course I may be just blowing hot air but the difference between how you describe studying philosophy and the initial material of possible worlds made me realise that "I don't know how to think!" In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? despite the above 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? he did what he could for me How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? Unable to comment as I baulked at the first hurdle How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? Personally — a correspondence course at introductory level with no ability to ask questions immediately as you go through the material is a huge disadvantage. However once a basic level has been mastered, then I believe that it is potentially more beneficial as it requires consideration of what it is you want to ask. 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 am not sure as I have no experience with the conferences. However with the limited experience of tutorial groups I have had, having some knowledge of and then interaction with someone you know working on the same project. How you could arrange that I don't know but possibly through arrangement with/through the mentor 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 made me realise that even the best program may not be useful if you aren't ready for it. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? I haven't finished, of course but I haven't given up. Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? I am going to try something more specific next time such as the phenomenology of religion and with that knowledge as a base attempt to ask/study further on what is religion for and why we take part in it. What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? It was another step along the way 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? No Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? The potential to meet with other students with similar interests has merit. However it could be difficult especially if you are not geographically close to those other students. Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? No at this point 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? I would like that but not just of the BEST but of the worthwhile, which while having flaws and if those flaws are explained could a valuable learning resource. It would give example of good thinking, of problems with thinking and a method to judge our own good and bad thinking. 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? More positive than negative How would you summarize the reasons for your assessment? Pathways provides an open opportunity to simulate and improve the mind. Although it hasn't worked for me, Ido feel that for others with more experience/learning or maybe for small groups/classes Pathways provides the opportunity to partake in learning and discussion of the questions that make life worth living. These opportunities are generally, otherwise limited and temporary. 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? If anything is any help 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.