• Why Philosophy Should Be Funded Less And The Universities They Belong To

  • Jul 4 2024
  • Length: 2 hrs and 24 mins
  • Podcast

Why Philosophy Should Be Funded Less And The Universities They Belong To

  • Summary

  • BullJive And Brilliance Show NotesEpisode Summary: This episode explores the charged political atmosphere surrounding Donald Trump and the complex dynamics of truth and manipulation in political discourse. With a mix of serious analysis and lighthearted anecdotes, the discussion explores the pervasive nature of "BullJive" in politics, the role of authority in public perception, and the implications of these factors on the legal and moral landscapes.Follow Dr. Farris here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-farris-ph-d-csm-cspo-50b9a958/https://www.facebook.com/joshua.r.farrishttps://www.facebook.com/groups/378640331838790https://spirituallydrivenleadership.comhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Joshua%20R.%20Farris/author/B088KV4X2HFollow Antonio Here:https://www.facebook.com/theatsjrhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Antonio-T.-Smith-Jr/author/B00M3MPVJ8https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniotsmithjrhttps://antoniotsmithjr.comhttps://www.instagram.com/theatsjrIntroduction:Dr. Farris kicks off the discussion, diving right into his area of expertise.Host praises Dr. Farris, emphasizing his incredible depth of knowledge in philosophy, which far surpasses the host's own understanding.Reminder that understanding philosophy doesn't automatically make one a philosopher—Socrates and Aristotle would likely agree.Setting the Scene:It’s July 4th, and there's talk of lighting cigars to celebrate.The conversation shifts to a provocative article by Jimmy Alfonso Laken, criticizing funding for philosophy despite his background in the field.Article Discussion:Dr. Farris intends to fairly represent Laken's arguments, noting the article made him question his own views on philosophy.Laken argues that philosophy departments should receive less funding because many philosophers produce subpar work or work that doesn't justify the financial cost.Broader Educational Impact:Dr. Farris points out that cuts in liberal arts are not new, with some universities phasing out these departments entirely.The discussion extends to what education aims to achieve and whether philosophy aligns with these goals.Deep Dive into the Article:Laken's article, featuring a poignant quote by Thomas Nagel, suggests that non-exceptional philosophical work is often unoriginal and incorrect, questioning the value of funding the discipline.Dr. Farris and the host explore how these ideas reflect broader attitudes towards liberal arts.Philosophical Funding Debate:Mention of a substantial donation to the philosophy department at John Hopkins, challenging Laken's viewpoint.Dr. Farris debates the immediate vs. long-term benefits of investing in philosophy, suggesting that it cultivates critical societal qualities.Practical Considerations:Discussion on the effectiveness of donations and the challenge of ensuring they are well-spent.Dr. Farris touches on pragmatism in American education, focusing on the functionality and direct outcomes over abstract thinking.Philosophical Values and Society:Debate over the role of philosophy in shaping societal values and whether it should be prioritized over more directly impactful disciplines.Dr. Farris argues that dismissing philosophy might overlook its broader benefits to society and culture.Setting the Scene:Discussion around the controversial article by Jimmy Alfonso Laken about funding philosophy.Dr. Farris notes the criticisms within the article, mentioning that much of philosophical work is considered unoriginal or incorrect.In-Depth Analysis:Dr. Farris engages with the idea that philosophical work often does not lead to direct societal benefits.He references notable figures like Noam Chomsky and Frederick Douglass to discuss the broader implications of education systems and philosophical thought.Philosophical and Practical Considerations:Conversation shifts to the role of education and how it should foster independence and critical thinking, as opposed to merely producing "good slaves to the system."Dr. Farris argues that philosophy is crucial for a well-rounded education and understanding of the world.Concluding Thoughts:Dr. Farris wraps up by discussing the limitations of focusing too narrowly on specialized tasks without a broader understanding provided by philosophy.Emphasizes the importance of integrating different types of knowledge—descriptive, acquaintance, and practical—to achieve a comprehensive understanding.Engagement with Audience:The host and Dr. Farris encourage the audience to think about the value of philosophy beyond immediate practical outcomes.They discuss the need for a balance between specialized knowledge and a broader philosophical perspective to truly educate and enlighten individuals.Opening Discussion:Dr. Farris addresses the practical training in education that gears individuals toward becoming technicians or service-oriented workers, like electricians.He notes the current trend in education is producing workers suited for immediate job roles but questions if this is the complete goal of ...
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