The Age | 24 November 2012 Hume City Council in Melbourne’s outer north western suburbs is to establish a “multiversity” to offer higher education and TAFE programs, in partneship with Kangan Batman TAFE and Victoria and Deakin Universities. From first semester next year, courses will be available in the arts, business and sciences at Broadmeadows, Craigieburn and Sunbury at community centres at Broadmeadows, Craigieburn and Sunbury. More than 53% of residents of Hume have no tertiary qualifications compared with the Melbourne average of 42 per cent. The council hopes the project will help raise levels to Melbourne's average. Hume mayor Geoff Porter says youth … [Read more...]
No, you’re not entitled to your opinion
The Conversation | 5 October 2012 Every year, I try to do at least two things with my students at least once. First, I make a point of addressing them as “philosophers” – a bit cheesy, but hopefully it encourages active learning. Secondly, I say something like this: “I’m sure you’ve heard the expression ‘everyone is entitled to their opinion.’ Perhaps you’ve even said it yourself, maybe to head off an argument or bring one to a close. Well, as soon as you walk into this room, it’s no longer true. You are not entitled to your opinion. You are only entitled to what you can argue for.” A bit harsh? Perhaps, but philosophy teachers owe it to our … [Read more...]