How Podcasts are Changing the Way People Encounter Philosophy

Hubert Dreyfus is in the strange position of being a critic of distance learning and one of its best exponents. I've already posted several pieces about his book On the Internet (e.g. this one), where he argues that  face-to-face tuition is essential, particularly for Philosophy. I've also linked to his excellent (though unedited) lectures podcast on iTunesU (see this post).

There is an interesting article about his impact in The Los Angeles Times 'The iPod Lecture Circuit'. There is also a weblog linking together his virtual community of distant fans here. In his Heidegger lectures he talks about how his views about Heidegger have changed since he wrote his commentary on Being and Time; I wonder whether he will be changing his views about distance learning too...

Comments

[Matt M]

While they may be no substitute for face-to-face learning, podcasts have been (the atheist equivalent of) a godsend for people like me, who are interested in philosophy but aren't in a position to commit to a serious course. 'Philosophy: the Classics' and 'Philosophy Bites' have been wonderful in introducing me to thinkers and ideas that I might never have encountered otherwise. So it's a hearty thank you from this interested amateur. :-)