Professor, Says Students Showed 'Religious Arrogance'.

[_Quasimodo]

1. It wasn't a philosphy class, it was a psychology class.

Whatever. I don't think it's germane to the point.

2. I think Mr. Don't Discuss It fairly falls into the the category the prof. created of those engaging in bigoted behavior. Who engages in bigoted behavior? A bigot?

Funny, from what I've read of you on these posts, I wouldn't have thought that would be your opinion.

3. I would have spoken to that student privately and pointed out that since the syllabus required class participation (mine always did), his statement was disruptive, and that the quality of his participation is part of his grade per the syllabus. I wouldn't have written it somewhere others would have access to it.

Maybe a good way to deal with it.

4. I went to college with a closed mind and have since changed, 40 years later something from college pops into mind and I go, "that's what the prof. meant." Good thing I have a good memory and that the prof. had the patience to deal with my brain as he found it. You never know if and when an idea is going to take hold. I try to remember that when students say stupid, even outragous things.

My experience, as well.

5. Calling the owner a bigot is not the best way to pry a mind open.

I still don't think that it was what he was doing.

[_Cylon]

I am always amused when religious people say that education is dangerous. As though they don't have the ability to make up their own minds about what is taught. It's as though truth will ruin their faith in some diabolic way.

Well, obviously it depends on what exactly the faith is based on, but in many cases, if they are actually open to truth, it will ruin their faith.

Of course that doesn't affect those who aren't willing to consider anything contrary to their existing beliefs.

[_Quasimodo]

Well, obviously it depends on what exactly the faith is based on, but in many cases, if they are actually open to truth, it will ruin their faith.

Of course that doesn't affect those who aren't willing to consider anything contrary to their existing beliefs.

Good point!

It should be something for those most religious to ponder. If truth threatens their beliefs then it might be best to question those beliefs. Of course, this doesn't happen.

[_MrStakhanovite]

In fairness to the professor, he didn't call the student bigoted. He just referred to his attempt at disrailing the topic as bigoted. I think Negy was trying to open the minds of his students by asking them to consider opposing opinions.

There isn’t a large degree of difference between telling someone they are a bigot and telling someone that their actions are “manifesting” bigotry:

Students in my class who openly proclaimed that Christianity is the most valid religion, as some of you did last class, portrayed precisely what religious bigotry is. Bigots—racial bigot or religious bigots—never question their prejudices and bigotry. They are convinced their beliefs are correct. For the Christians in my class who argued the validity of Christianity last week, I suppose I should thank you for demonstrating to the rest of the class what religious arrogance and bigotry looks like. It seems to have not even occurred to you (I'm directing this comment to those students who manifested such bigotry), as I tried to point out in class tonight, how such bigotry is perceived and experienced by the Muslims, the Hindus, the Buddhists, the non-believers, and so on, in class, to have to sit and endure the tyranny of the masses (the dominant group, that is, which in this case, are Christians).

This particular student was beyond the call.

I’m impressed that student even cared enough to speak up, usually most kids in these types of classes half pay attention and just want to do the standard so they can get their C and move on.

Was this particular student being a douche? Absolutely, but look at the dynamic here. The classroom isn’t a bunch of agents of equal status, a lot of the power belongs to the professor who is the superior of this kid in so many ways (age, education, position). A Professor basically calling a student a bigot has a lot more implications than telling some loudmouth in line at the Supermarket to shut up.

Does this kid have the kind of maturity and introspection to take what the Professor said in stride and do some self analysis? Doubtful, the immediate and lasting reaction is probably one of feeling attacked and/or misunderstood.

Now did this Professor do anything wrong? Not really. And if that kid’s feelings are hurt I’d tell him T.S.

[_Morley]

There are any number of teaching styles that might fall under the rubric of 'best practice.' If you're having to write that email to your students after class, you're probably not engaging in any one of them.

[_moksha]

No wonder my mom thinks philosophy class is DANGEROUS! (and liberal arts departments/schools)

Your mom should well appreciate BYU. Just think how this Professor would have faired with those bearing the Mantle close at hand.

[_ludwigm]

I did teach 39 years.
Not phylosophy.
Radar systems, especially maintenance.
The token was: "try it at the next practical class" (I was the responsible...)

Moreover, they were thinking people. Radar technicians all are...
They've asked "tricky things" (You know, we had here "socialism").
My first reflexion was: OK, next class we return, You should look at.

They were arrogant. Always. Lost generation...

[_Kishkumen]

I'm sticking to my guns on this one. I wouldn't do as Negy did, but I see the negative reaction to him as largely the product of a consumer approach to education on the part of students who are often arrogant, ignorant, and burdened with an intellectually crippling sense of entitlement. And I am speaking of the students he called out, not respondents here.

[_Quasimodo]

Its actually been very warm here in Blighty these last few weeks and I've been dabbling with Magners - both apple and pear varieties, with ice. Refreshing.

Warm in Blighty? Must be nearing 70f.

Cider is a little hard to come by in the States. There is a company called Hornsby that bottles a decent one. One doesn't find cider on tap (except for one gastro pub nearby). Here it's called "hard cider" if it has an alcohol content. Non alcoholic is called apple cider (basically apple juice). From what I've read, it is starting to catch on a bit. The US is usually a few years behind England in styles and fashions. In this case it's probably about a thousand years behind.

[_Quasimodo]

Now did this Professor do anything wrong? Not really. And if that kid’s feelings are hurt I’d tell him T.S.

Kind of my opinion, too.

My concern really isn't Negy's trouble with one student. It's that it points to a larger problem. There does seem to be a bias among some against critical thinking in this country. As though intellectual thought is an evil and ignorance is a virtue. A kind of 'chosen foolishness'.