Elective Mind: Philosophy and the Undergraduate Degree

The Elective Mind argues that philosophy courses should be essential to the undergraduate curriculum because they help students develop a historically layered view of what it means to study for its own sake, countering the overly specialized minds favored by the contemporary university and the commodification of its degrees. It explores the elective university classroom as a combination of a classroom, students, texts, and professors, examining each element's alternative/residual significance through the history of philosophy.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 150 pages
\n Publication date: 05 October 2021
\n Publisher: University of Ottawa Press
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The Elective Mind delves into the profound significance of philosophy courses within the undergraduate curriculum, recognizing them as essential components of the self-formation that lies at the core of a liberal education. Its objective is to offer a historically layered perspective on what it means to pursue knowledge for its own sake, challenging the prevailing notion that education should solely be driven by predetermined disciplinary goals.

In the elective university classroom, the course of study is chosen based on personal interest and enthusiasm rather than being solely dictated by predefined disciplinary objectives. This approach fosters a direct and unfettered engagement of the student's mind, countering the overly specialized mindset prevalent in contemporary universities and the commodification of their degrees. The discussion builds upon the distinction proposed by Raymond Williams between a dominant culture, characterized by university study's contribution to research and marketable degrees, and alternative and/or oppositional cultures that possess both residual and emergent dimensions. The elective stream of university study is viewed as an alternative and oppositional force to the dominant culture.

The elective university classroom is analyzed as a dynamic interplay between a classroom, students, texts, and professors. Each element is explored in terms of its alternative/residual significance, as illuminated through the rich history of philosophy: the classroom and students through the life and death of Socrates; texts through the origins of the university in medieval scholasticism; and the professor in the Humboldtian reform of the university at the beginning of the nineteenth century in Berlin.

By examining these components within the context of philosophy, The Elective Mind offers a profound exploration of the transformative power of education. It underscores the importance of cultivating a broad and inquisitive mind, capable of critically analyzing and interpreting the world around us. Through the study of philosophy, students gain the tools to navigate complex ethical dilemmas, question established norms, and engage in meaningful dialogue with others. Moreover, the elective university classroom fosters a sense of autonomy and self-directed learning, empowering students to pursue their intellectual passions and develop a deep understanding of the human condition.

In conclusion, The Elective Mind serves as a compelling argument for the inclusion of philosophy courses within the undergraduate curriculum. It emphasizes the value of pursuing knowledge for its own sake, challenging the narrow confines of disciplinary specialization and promoting a holistic and intellectually rich education. By embracing the elective university classroom, students are empowered to cultivate a lifelong love of learning, develop critical thinking skills, and become agents of change in their communities.

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Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780776629551\n
Edition number: New ed\n