Here's something pretty cool out of Britain for anyone interested in philosophy. The Pathways to Philosophy Distance Learning Project: http://www.shef.ac.uk/uni/projects/ptpdlp/ This thing is a non-degree philosophy program, aimed at individuals who love philosophy and who want to study it for their own interest and edification. It's run by the International Society of Philosophers and is hosted by the University of Sheffield. It consists of six classes (as Americans would call them): 1. Intro. to Phil., 2. Phil. of Mind, 3. Ancient Phil., 4. Phil. of Language, 5. Reason, Values and Conduct, and 6. Metaphysics. They are described here: http://www.shef.ac.uk/uni/projects/ptpdlp/pathways/pak2.html There are no formal entrance requirements. Each class costs 240 Br. Pounds. Each class in turn is divided up into fifteen segments, and they allow you to pay for hem three at a time, so you can pay for each class in five installments of 48 Pounds each. They have students from all around the world. More information is available here: http://www.shef.ac.uk/uni/projects/ptpdlp/pathways/index.html It seems that after you complete the individual segments, you can earn an "Associate" diploma for submitting four essays of 2,000-2,500 words (I assume each). And you can earn a "Fellowship" diploma in with a 12,000-15,000 essay. They also indicate that given the unfortunate existence of DL degree mills, they feel the need for more credibility for their program, so they are in the process of getting it validated by the University of Sheffield to offer Sheffield's Certificates. Among the cool things these people are doing is running an e-journal and holding on-line philosophy conferences facilitated by the University of London's Institute of Education. They also have societies to join and lots of philosophy links. I like it! Finally somebody is taking an interest in people who have a serious interest in philosophy but who don't intend to earn a Ph.D. or to become a professor!
A very cool thing, I have to agree! I seem to recall reading that there was some sort of connection between Greenwich School of Theology and the International Society of Philosophers during the 60s and early 70s, but can't recall what it was. Perhaps GST faculty are involved in some way with this program. Cheers,
I have taken two of these courses and have found them to be informative and enjoyable. Geoffrey Klempner, PhD, runs the show and does a great job. He's readily available by email and when you get him as an instructor he spends a fair amount of time responding to your essays. If memory serves, you can earn a sort of certificate for completion of the program but I believe that one of the primary motivators, aside from the pure educational benefits, is that the Pathways instructors are willing to write reference letters for those seeking admission to formal educational programs. I give it a "thumbs up!" Jack
New developments... Since the time this thread originally appeared: "We are now able to offer full tutorial support for the University of London External Programme in Philosophy, alongside our own Pathways to Philosophy programs and the Associate and Fellowship awards of the International Society for Philosophers (ISFP)." http://www.shef.ac.uk/~ptpdlp/pathways/lond.html
Have you taken any more courses? How long do they take to complete? I bookmarked the site some time ago with the promise to investigate further when I had more time. I may have some spare time soon.
A set of readings is provided along with a list of optional, supplemental texts. You complete the readings at your own pace and write short essays that are taken from a list of questions. I stopped after two courses because I had made the decision to pursue my formal education. I continue to receive the Pathways email newsletter which contains program updates and a selection of philosophical essays on various topics. These are written by students and professional philosophers, some rather well known. I continue to endorse this program and am not surprised to learn that Dr. Klempner has developed this connection to U of L. There is also a connection to the Philosophical Society of England. My own involvement came as I explored the possibility of pursuing graduate studies in philosophy. I was interested in seeing a more formal treatment of material that I had read on my own. Also, Dr. Klempner has stated that the Pathways staff are willing to write reference letters to assist their students in their admission to formal programs. Jack
