“WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY … YOU CAN STUDY WITHOUT WAITING FOR ANY EFFICIENT OR IMMEDIATE RESULT. YOU MAY SEARCH, JUST FOR THE SAKE OF SEARCHING, AND TRY FOR THE SAKE OF TRYING.” – JACQUES DERRIDA
Derrida addresses the true purpose of higher education here. Education is about learning, about seeking knowledge and truth. It is not meant to produce a generation of like-minded young adults who prefer to take the easy route rather than the correct one.
What example is MTSU setting for its students when it discourages learning for the love of knowledge rather than a specific trade? The great minds are the ones who constantly question, the ones who are always seeking to know more.
Academic failure cannot be measured by a letter grade but by ignorance and apathy. Those who stop seeking knowledge and are complacent with their current level of intellect are the ones who have failed. Knowledge does not stop after university any more than it begins with it. Learning is an ongoing process, and no discipline recognizes this more than philosophy.
Philosophers are historically the ones willing to ask the tough question, the ones with answers people would rather not know. But instead of giving in to the prevalent apathy, the philosopher continues to seek knowledge in the way Derrida praises. Do not take this away from our students.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Have you seen the opinion piece in sidelines where the entire editorial board comes out slapping McPhee's back for a job well done? What the hell is going on there?
ReplyDeleteYes, I saw it, and it kind of made me want to throw up...or throw things. I'm planning on responding to that as well.
ReplyDelete