Terry, I enjoyed your review of Timothy Ferris's book for multiple reasons. First, I was glad that you were reviewing the work of a real thinker and not the hack Timothy Ferris who authored "The 4-Hour Workweek."
I experienced great sympathy with (the real) Ferris's correlation between the inquiry associated with the scientific method and liberal democracy. I am a historian by training and as a result the approach I have been taught is non-dogmatic (research driven with conclusions that are provisional and contextual). Like you, I walked away from an academic path in large part because it seemed I would have to place more effort on discursive conformity than on developing deep domain expertise in a specific historical period. My best friend did go the academic route and constantly bemoans the prioritization of conformity over competence.
Oddly enough the one post-structuralist thinker whose works I've enjoyed is Foucault. While I don't agree with all of his ideas, Foucault's writing is approachable and down-to-earth. Unlike his peers (Derrida and company), Foucault seemed more interested in clearly communicating his thoughts than in trying to prove something with deliberately abstruse language.
Looking good Terry!
This reminds me not to ignore friends in need. Looking back I realize I have done this more than a few times. I realize now though how important they.
A thoughtful poignant reminder of her greatness...Bravo Terry
Wonderful tribute to a special woman.
Terry, I enjoyed your review of Timothy Ferris's book for multiple reasons. First, I was glad that you were reviewing the work of a real thinker and not the hack Timothy Ferris who authored "The 4-Hour Workweek."
I experienced great sympathy with (the real) Ferris's correlation between the inquiry associated with the scientific method and liberal democracy. I am a historian by training and as a result the approach I have been taught is non-dogmatic (research driven with conclusions that are provisional and contextual). Like you, I walked away from an academic path in large part because it seemed I would have to place more effort on discursive conformity than on developing deep domain expertise in a specific historical period. My best friend did go the academic route and constantly bemoans the prioritization of conformity over competence.
Oddly enough the one post-structuralist thinker whose works I've enjoyed is Foucault. While I don't agree with all of his ideas, Foucault's writing is approachable and down-to-earth. Unlike his peers (Derrida and company), Foucault seemed more interested in clearly communicating his thoughts than in trying to prove something with deliberately abstruse language.
Well said. Derrida and other similar authors add little to our understanding by being impossible to understand themselves.
Hola Gaucho! Heading' for the pampas?