David Faber PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: David Anthony Faber Age: 56 Current occupation: Retired Where you live: Italy and Greece (but Italy is where I say I normally live) Your program: Don't remember the names, but i) Presocratic metaphysics, ii) General Introduction to Philosophy, iii) Philosophy and Language Start date: Can't remember. 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? I had just finished the Oxford online Introduction to Philosophy, which I enjoyed very much, and was Googling for something else What alternatives were you considering at the time? None What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Philosophy and online were the only considerations How do you feel about that decision now? It was reasonable 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? Three — see above How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? Variable. The first was about right, the last too hard How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? I haven't seen or studied any textbooks, except for Guttenplan et al (I think it was called) which we used in the Oxford online Intro to Philosophy. The Pathways programmes are harder than that. Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? The first was definitely right, the second not a particular interest but just hoping to fill in gaps, and the third I think a mistake 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? Occasionally very useful (the answers), but I have never participated — just read them from outside How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? Hard to say — possibly a bit of cross-referencing 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 How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? The system works as it is — what improvements could be made aren't in that department How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? I only have the one to compare Pathways with (see above). Pathways is deeper and drier 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? n/a If you did not participate, what kind of conference provision would tempt you to join the conference? n/a Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? Yes — I would have liked to see more opportunity for online interaction between students (esp. following the same course), to a) enable them to ask one another for help, and b) create the "social" side so painfully lacking otherwise 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? None to speak of Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? Only vaguely — more a matter of applying philosophy in other areas of life Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? Slight enhancement of self-esteem in company (I can witter on about Anaxagoras) and self-doubt in private (esp. to do with anti-realism) What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? None I can name 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? No particular ideas. Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? I wouldn't (because I couldn't) come, but I'd be wary of the idea Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? No 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? Very 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? No on both counts 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 If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? No 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? No social interaction, which was partly what I was looking for, excellent tutoring, more emphasis on metaphysics than I was prepared for or expected, units OK but I suspect could be made clearer, 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? No problem 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.