Philosophy is Dead

Philosophy is dead.

Its arguments are hopelessly antiquated, superseded by social and natural science.

Its adherents produce endless commentary on canonised celebrities, whose own polemical prose obscures comprehension.

The writers of old were artists - but today philosophy consists of unoriginal sycophants.

'Critical Theory' criticises old ghosts, not the ills of today.

And I have to stoop to write an assignment on its inane musings, singing the praises of dead ideas.

Kant said enlightenment was the freedom to reason without direction from others. I am directed to sing ghosts' praises.

Marx deplored the alienation of humanity from the creative potential of our labour, and its enslavement to capitalism.

I am alienated from my critical faculties, forced to bow to the archaic idols of this discipline.

How can those who preach such ideas betray these principles through their actions.

Sycophants, all.

_____________________________

Once I specialise in my intended profession - once I gain a grounded understanding of the psyche in psychological theory and practice - I will be free from these false idols.

Now I worship them, so that I need worship them no more.

SOTH30001 - Do not take this subject.
Prof. J. Rundell - Avoid this man who cannot teach.

Literature Review: Foucault - Selected Works

A University of Melbourne Essay Assignment

Under the 3rd-Year Sociology subject "Critical Theories"

Passed with High Distinction (H1)

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Semester 2, 2013

Literature Review:

Truth and Power (Foucault, 1980)

Supplemented by Foucault (1976, 1984)

Tutor's Comments:

This is an excellent review of Foucault's 'Truth and Power' argument. I would certainly recommend reading 'Nietzsche, Genealogy, History' if you haven't done so already. Well done.

Post-Bourdieu: Ontologically Distinct Forms of Class in Contemporary Society

A University of Melbourne Essay Assignment

Under the 3rd-Year Sociology subject "Contemporary Social Theory"

Passed with High Distinction (H1)

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By Benjamin L., written during Semester 1, 2013

Tutor's comments (E. Sayes):

This is an ambitious essay, that is wide ranging. You have a clear argument that you attempt to advance. I'm not convinced by it in the end, I must say. You seem to be quick to discard Bourdieu, for reasons that I'm not sure I understand. The note you finish on would seem to be the best place to start: what role does cultural capital/habitus play in those contexts. I would have liked a greater engagement at the level of theory. It's fine being very critical, but you need to clearly explain why. Overall a good essay.

Social Differentiation & Inequalities in Education

A University of Melbourne Essay Assignment

Under the 3rd-Year Sociology subject "Social Differences & Inequalities"

Passed with High Distinction (H1)

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By Benjamin L., written during Semester 1, 2013

Tutor's comments (J. Flores):

Ben, you have achieved a very high H1 on this paper. It is admirable to see such dedication and critical analytical skills in a third year paper. Such research is promising for honours work - keep up the good work! Consider whether it would have been best to focus on either race or sexuality, not both. It could have resulted in a deeper analysis? There are some irregularities in your style of referencing. Very well done!

The Semblance of Ethnic Equality: How Multiculturalism Masks its Enemies

A University of Melbourne Essay Assignment

Under the 3rd-Year Sociology subject "Social Differences & Inequalities"

Passed with High Distinction (H1)

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By Benjamin L., written during Semester 1, 2013

Tutor's comments (J. Flores):

This was a very interesting and well-researched essay. You show that you have a thorough understanding of the main issues addressed in this subject. This essay was addressing the complex question of multiculturalism and the reproduction of inequalities in a very sophisticated manner and it was well-structured up until the section 'Cognitive Roots of Discrimination' [cognitive psychology/categorisation/essentialism]. That part did not contribute to the question you had to answer, and while the rest of your essay uses social analyses, this section is unnecessary to your overall argument. It would have been better to engage more with Hage's ideas on tolerance, for example. This essay needs to be more about social factors and while psychology/cognitive makeup may be related, you should focus more on sociology for your research in relation to this subject. This was a very interesting read.

Power/Knowledge in Mental Health: Technicalisation & Resistance

A University of Melbourne Short Essay Assignment

Under the 3rd-Year Sociology subject "Contemporary Social Theory"

Passed with High Distinction (H1)

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By Benjamin L., written during Semester 1, 2013

Tutor's Comments (E. Sayes):

I'm 7 essays from done marking, and this is the best essay thus far. Your argument is really tight, creative, and demonstrates a really solid understanding of Foucault. Your criticisms are compelling and a real challenge to Foucault. This is a really great essay. I hope you stick with sociology and are considering post-grad study. [Sociology is my minor - in theory this course is reserved for majors. He later said his opinions still stand after marking the last 7.]

Peer Acceptance: The Role of Affective Dispositions in Successfully Joining Peer Activities

A University of Melbourne APA Lab Report Assignment

Under the 3rd-Year Sociology subject "Social & Emotional Development"

Passed with High Distinction (H1)

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By Benjamin L., written during Semester 1, 2013

Abstract

This study investigated the association between children’s attempts to join peer activities, their patterns of affect, and peer responses to them. It was hypothesised that (a) children with positive patterns of affect who attempted to join peers’ activities would be positively correlated with peer acceptance, not exclusion. Conversely, (b) children with negative patterns of affect who attempted to join peers’ activities would be positively correlated with peer exclusion, not acceptance. Free play was observed in 82 participants aged between 1.98 to 2.56 years-old and coded with the Peer Interaction Observational System. Results did not support either hypothesis. This was attributed to an undeveloped theory of mind in this young sample and does not necessarily falsify previous research findings.

Tutor's Comments (D. Peters):

Done a good job. You could have taken variables that had a higher frequency in the sample. Nonetheless well done.

[Despite the grades, I hated this assignment. The lecturer gave us a terrible observational measure and a pathetic data set, then told us to create an 'appropriate' research question for it.]