A Monopoly of Thought
A University of Oregon journalist has written a provocative op-ed about the absence of Republican and right wing professors on American campuses. We all know the US college system is a bastion of liberalism but Dan Lawton has a valid point. American freedom of expression should be prevalent in all venues and especially on college campuses where the exchange of ideas is a cornerstone of rational thought. Colleges are the ideal location for young minds to have their biases and beliefs challenged. As a liberal, taking a government class from a conservative would force you to think outside of your box. It is healthy. Mr. Lawton attends one of America’s most liberal universities in beautiful Eugene and his perspective is perfectly presented.
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July 15th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
I’d have to agree with this post, although in terms of how much having a professor of the opposing view can change someone is questionable, but I suspect it has an influence in causing one to question their views. One of my closest friends is a political science major and as a conservative was annoyed by the nearly extreme liberal views his American Politics professor possessed (extreme from his perspective.) However I have noticed an increase in flexibility of his view points (not to mention an increased acknowledgement of where I’m coming from on mine) and can only hope that my own liberal views are appropriately tested by a conservative American Politics professor when I take it this fall.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
In Norway higher education is mostly apolitical, although I never studied political science, so I don’t know what those courses are like. I’ve read viewpoints as far left as communist though, and nothing seems to move me from my Liberal (Libertarian to americans) possition. If anything, I find myself more inclined to compromise when facing viewpoints closer to my own.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
If you don’t mind, I would like to know what are the core beliefs of a Liberal from Norway.