June 2018
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Tahko from Helsinki to Bristol
Tuomas Tahko (metaphysics & epistemology, philosophy of science, philosophical logic), University Lecturer in Theoretical Philosophy at the University of Helsinki, will take up the position of Reader in Metaphysics of Science at the University of Bristol, effective September 2018. Professor Tahko adds "that the 2-million euro European Research Council Consolidator Grant that I won in…
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The importance of philosophy to Catholic higher education
A statement from the American Catholic Philosophical Association. (Thanks to Chad Engelland for the pointer.)
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Have education advocates sold out students’ and educators’ privacy for money from technology firms? (Michael Simkovic)
The Department of Education's failures to safeguard student data against leaks have led to repeated Congressional hearings over the last few years. (see here, here, and here). Even some of the best state education agencies have also suffered data breaches. Privacy advocates, student and parent groups, and educators are therefore understandably concerned about sharing even more…
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More on Avital Ronell and the friends defending her
A graduate student in literary studies, after reading the earlier post, writes: A remark on the line [from the letter defending Prof. Ronell]: "We have all seen her relationship with students […]" : Although I do not travel in the same circles, I have witnessed first hand Avital Ronell's behavior with her advisees during…
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Blaming the victim is apparently OK when the accused in a Title IX proceeding is a feminist literary theorist
That would seem to be the takeaway from this remarkable letter (written, I am told, by Judith Butler) in support of Avital Ronell, who teaches in German and Comparative Literature at NYU: Download BUTLER letter for Avital Ronell. The signatory list reads like a "who's who" of "theory" (as they call bad philosophy in literature…
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Great moments in obscure rock ‘n’ roll: Toad, “No Need,” 1972
A great number from the Swiss hard rock band introduced two weeks ago, this from their second album:
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Congratulations to the University of Chicago Law School Class of 2018!
It's been a pleasure and a privilege to teach such talented young men and women, and I am sure I speak for all of my colleagues in wishing you much professional success and personal happiness in the years ahead! You will be missed!
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Apprenticeships and online education are not viable alternatives to ABA-approved law schools (Michael Simkovic)
Over the last several decades, both the cost and the quality of ABA approved law schools have increased. Faculty student ratios have fallen. Completion rates have increased, even as diverse groups with historically lower completion rates have become a larger share of the student body. Earnings premiums have increased, and racial disparities have narrowed. Nevertheless,…
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Eugenics is *not* ancient history
Philosopher Robert Wilson (La Trobe) reviews the history, the very recent past, and the present,, including practices in Canada, Australia, California, India, and elsewhere. Read it! (One Canadian philosopher played a leading role in eugenics in Alberta.)
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UK academics protest on-going defamation of “A Women’s Place UK” by some trans activists
Their letter is here. Among the philosophers who signed are Sophie Allen (Keele), John Collins (East Anglia), John Gardner (Oxford), Mary Leng (York), and Kathleen Stock (Sussex). I commend them for taking a public stand. Only vocal, public support like this is going to make rational discussion of these issues possible. Prior to being exposed…
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Philosopher John Corvino (Wayne State) on the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of the baker who would not serve a gay couple
This is a sensible assessment of what the decision did and did not do. It's clear Justice Kennedy, who is a Catholic, was disturbed by the anti-religious animus expressed by Colorado officials, as evidenced by the record; at the same time, it's also clear that Justice Kennedy, who wrote the same-sex marriage decision, among others…
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Note to readers re: my academia.edu page
I created one early on, but never use the site any longer, because they're hucksters and they want too much information just to utilize it. I mention this because I recently discovered many messages there, going back years. Folks who want to reach me need to e-mail me at my university e-mail. Thanks.
I only just learned of Barry’s passing, and I’m enormously saddened at the news. I wrote my PhD on his…