A column at Inside Higher Ed by Portland State philosophy instructor Peter Boghossian raises a good question: Should faculty challenge the religious beliefs of students? Here's how he opens his essay: Until two weeks ago, I had been laboring under the naïve assumption that one of the primary goals of every academic was to change students' beliefs when they were based on inaccurate information. I was awakened from this dogmatic slumber at an interdisciplinary faculty meeting by colleagues who reacted with dismay to … [Read more...] about Should Faculty Challenge Students’ Religious Beliefs?
Philosophy of Science
The End of Philosophy?
Michael Ruse's Do We Need Philosophy? (Chronicle of Higher Education. 8/15/2010) masterfully weaves together reflections on the death of his colleague David Hull*, transitions in philosophy, the increasing costs of higher education, and lamplighting in philosophy. A significant part of the piece focuses upon Mark Taylor's** NY Times Op-Ed recommendation to consolidate philosophy departments at Columbia and NYU (Academic Bankruptcy. 8/14/2010).*** Ruse eloquently concludes: I think that David's life was truly … [Read more...] about The End of Philosophy?