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In
a New Generation of College Students, Many Opt for the Life
Examined.
(By
Winnie Hu, April 6, 2008, NY Times)
"When
a fellow student at Rutgers University urged Didi Onejeme
to try Philosophy 101 two years ago, Ms. Onejeme, who was
a pre-med sophomore, dismissed it as “frou-frou.”
“People sitting under trees and talking about stupid
stuff — I mean, who cares?” Ms. Onejeme recalled
thinking at the time. But Ms. Onejeme, now a senior applying
to law school, ended up changing her major to philosophy,
which she thinks has armed her with the skills to be successful.
“My mother was like, what are you going to do with
that?” said Ms. Onejeme, 22. “She wanted me
to be a pharmacy major, but I persuaded her with my argumentative
skills.”
Once
scoffed at as a luxury major, philosophy is being embraced
at Rutgers and other universities by a new generation of
college students who are drawing modern-day lessons from
the age-old discipline as they try to make sense of their
world..." >>>
Philosophy,
Ways of Thinking, Ways of Living >>> |
Especially
concerning those students 21 and older.
Each
one of us confronts a variety of moral dilemmas in our
everyday
lives. A common, even weekly dilemma for some of my
own students is one that goes a little something like
this: "Should I start working on that paper I
owe Karla, or should I go bar hopping at the beach with
my friends instead?"
I
tell students who tend towards the latter that they can
easily accommodate BOTH options. "Take your textbook
to the bar," I say. If they're single, I explain that
carrying a philosophy book not only makes them appear smart
to potential dates, it gives them something to talk about
once they've finally built up enough courage to approach
the cutie in the corner.
That
said, look what I found today: Philosophy
in Pubs. Oh, those Brits! I thank them for some of the
more clever philosophy collaborations I've seen. Take this
for example (one of many Monty Python + Philosophy skits).
 |
Philosophy
Slam. On a related note, Jacksonville University
hosts a monthly "Philosophy Slam" (kind
of like a poetry slam, but kind of not) during the
Fall and Spring semesters, usually at a local cafe,
bar, or pub. This last year they took place at 9th
and Main, in Springfield. Stay tuned, I'll post
notice of these, and other future philosophy events,
here.
(Sorry,
odd puffy pink winter coat not included). |
Disclaimer:
The above passages are intended to reflect the
views, perspectives, and warped humor of the author (me!)--not
those of FCCJ or its other employees.
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Explore
the links below.
Your
students will thank you!
Web
2.0
Mac
Users Group
Blog & Podcast Server
Wiki
Server
iTunes
U Channel
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