By Josh Stinson
Philosophy with Randy was an experience. Randy covered the basic principles of philosophy. His easy-going methods of teaching were lapped up eagerly by the students. There was a lot to swallow, but Randy’s scintillating interpretations of ideas and concepts were understood by all. There was also a stimulating group with different ideas and views on life.
Not everybody is intellectually ready to be involved in a class of such caliber. If typical teenagers were put in this class, they wouldn’t know what to do.
People are afraid that if high school students are exposed to new ideas through philosophy, they may begin to question what they have been trained to believe, be it their religion or government or the way they lead their lives.
The institution of “American Values” is threatened by philosophy, and most school board members as well as parents would not stand for it.
It takes an alternative program like Mini-School to accomplish teaching such a sensitive subject. The students in Mini-School have already questioned most of these things, so they are easily attracted to such a mind-opening and intellectually stimulating class.