USUPhilosophy

is philosopher. If you doubt me, check out the Wall Street Journal article. (Accountants, historians, and economists — and others — have us beat, though.)

Here is an article by Stanley Fish called ‘Professor, Do Your Job’ which essentially argues that colleges should do only professional instruction, that universities should have nothing to do with educating moral and civic capacities.

Here is a rebuttal piece, arguing that while Fish’s annoyance at the peddling of political ideology from the lectern is justified, he goes too far.  One cannot take the moral and social significance out of education.

Here is an article by George Weigel discussing this recently released Catholic document on bio-ethics called Dignitas Personae (The Dignity of the Person).  Fertility technologies, genetic engineering, cloning and embryonic research are all considered.  

The document is typically Catholic, advocating a robust synthesis between faith and reason and focusing steadfastly on the dignity of the human person.  It is in no way ‘anti-science’, calling ‘science an invaluable service to the integral good of the life and dignity of every human being.’  But science must be unconditional in her respect for the dignity of all human persons.  Science uninformed by humanity is simply a tool for ever grosser tyranny.

Here is a provocative piece by Charles Murray arguing that employers should not esteem BA degrees over degrees from community colleges. A representative quote:

The benefits of discarding the bachelor’s degree as a job qualification would be huge for both employers and job applicants. Certifications would tell employers far more about their applicants’ qualifications than a B.A. does, and hundreds of thousands of young people would be able to get what they want from post-secondary education without having to twist themselves into knots to comply with the rituals of getting a bachelor’s degree.

It’s a little odd, I think, that Murray seems to value education primarily with respect to employment. I thought the aim is different: not necessarily to make capable workers, but to make more-educated people. Silly me.

… is the 2009 World Question sponsored by The Edge. Some very interesting answers are put forward, including: artificial intelligence, an understanding of creativity, laboratory earch colonies, wisdom, and the chemical control of violence.