Going Live: On the Value of a Newspaper- Centered Philosophy Seminar

For the last several years I have made the daily newspaper the pedagogical center piece of my philosophy seminar. This essay begins by describing the variations, themes, and logistics of this approach. The essay then offers several arguments in support of the value of this approach. The first argument references measurable indicators of success for this approach. A second argument contends that by “going live” with philosophical concepts, the newspapercentered approach is uniquely well-positioned to motivate and excite the philosophy student. A third argument claims that the newspaper-centered approach is well-positioned to construct an individualized bridge between the student and the world of philosophy. To look at the paper is to raise a seashell to one’s ear and to be overwhelmed by the roar of humanity.—Alain de Botton (2010: 237)