“ONE MAN SEES CLEARLY BUT DOES NOT SEE STRAIGHT: CONSEQUENTLY HE SEES WHAT IS GOOD BUT FAILS TO FOLLOW IT; HE SEES KNOWLEDGE AND DOES NOT USE IT.” – MICHEL DE MONTAIGNE
No good can come from the unwillingness to use knowledge whenever possible. A degree is a degree, but true wisdom and knowledge cannot be measured simply by the existence of a diploma.
What is a PhD? In the wake of all of this budget controversy, it seems the ones in charge have forgotten that many of them possess PhDs. A PhD is, of course, a degree awarded to someone who has satisfied the requirements to be considered a doctor of philosophy in a particular subject.
What does this mean? Purely stated, a person possessing this degree has a clear understanding of the philosophy of an area of study. For instance, a PhD in mathematics must certainly be able to grasp number theory, foundations of mathematics, and the reasoning behind mathematical proofs. A PhD in another subject must understand the origins and thought processes governing that subject. It is no wonder, then, that obtaining such a degree requires defense of a thesis instead of merely an aptitude test.
If MTSU were to eliminate philosophy as a major or independent department, are we to no longer honor the distinction of those with PhDs? If a medical doctor ignores the Hippocratic Oath or commits an act that compromises the integrity of the medical profession, he or she can lose the license and right to practice medicine. If President Sidney McPhee fails to honor the necessity of philosophy, he forfeits his right to be called Dr. McPhee.
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McPhee doesn't have a PhD anyway--God forbid he actually learn anything before taking charge of a large university. He has an EED in 'educational leadership,' whatever that is (presumably it has something to do with flow charts).
ReplyDeleteI read that it's a PhD in Applied Behavioral Studies in Education. Here's an MTSU link that lists him as a PhE: http://frank.mtsu.edu/~itconf/2002/speakers.html
ReplyDeleteThough I do agree flow charts are probably involved.
So between us we know of three different degrees he allegedly has, all of them basically worthless and only one of which he can actually have...my sources are professors who've been around for a long time so I figured they knew. But it doesn't really matter I guess.
ReplyDeleteWe've been trying to figure out how to explain the concepts "quality education" and "critical thinking skils" to McPhee using a flow chart (as he doesn't understand standard language or logical structures) but so far haven't had much success.
I suggest a pop-up book. If that doesn't work, try Power Point. All those admin types love Power Point.
ReplyDeleteWe discussed the possibility that if the professors starting teaching their classes in PowerPoint, McPhee would see the value of keeping them around. Unfortunately, if they did that, there wouldn't actually be said value, so the plan was rejected.
ReplyDeleteWe hadn't considered popup books though, that's a good idea.
It seems McPhee values the lecture more than interaction - both in and out of the classroom. Copy down notes from a Power Point presentation is a mind-numbing practice. Engaging in classroom discussion is much more beneficial.
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