IT WAS AN HONOR

Meet Dr. James P. Oliver

When first reading this assignment, I immediately thought to interview Professor Mel Homan, my communications instructor.  At the last minute, I was unable to meet with her.  But as I always say, “everything happens for a reason.”  Had I been able to meet with my communication’s professor, an instructor of mine that I have already come to know well, I would not have been allowed the opportunity to also get to know, and allow others to get to know, the professor of my Introduction to Philosophy class—Dr. James P. Oliver. 

Dr. Oliver incorporates his personal blog site into his classes.  I find this a well suited idea for a philosophy instructor, being that the class is predominantly based on discussion and raising questions.  The blog is not only designated for my class, but for anyone interested in tuning in to their philosophical side.  Because this blog is open to so many people, I thought that I could utilize it in this assignment to share his thoughts with others.  Being that Dr. Oliver clearly is a remarkably sophisticated individual, as well as a great thinker and communicator, getting to know him better, as well as allowing my community of learners that opportunity, seemed rather intriguing to me.

Let’s get to the best part—hearing what Dr. Oliver has to say!  When discussing his background, Professor Oliver admits that he had actually wanted to go into either the field of law or politics.  However, he was not fond of the way these fields had failed to take philosophy into account.  He also states that as soon as he learned of Plato’s theory of absolute forms, in his allegory of the cave, his mind was made up—philosophy was his way to go.  You know, reading this first response really gave me the goose bumps.  All of my life I have wanted to be a lawyer.  For some reason, ever since I have learned about Plato and his theory that everything imaginable has a true, accurate form, I have found myself thinking in this way increasingly often.  I am still, after a semester of deep thinking about it, searching for a way to express my much agreeable thoughts on this.  One thing I would still like to ask Dr. Oliver is if he faced those same troubles when he first began his philosophical journey—expressing his deep, inner thoughts on philosophical matters, via speech. 

Dr. Oliver carried out his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and then received a graduate and doctoral degree from Vanderbilt University.  Dr. Oliver found appreciation, and in some cases, friendship, in a handful of his instructors.  It was of no surprise to me, when he added John Lachs to this list.  His admiration for Lachs’ ideas and character is clear.  He assigns readings of Lach’s in class, namely Stoic Pragmatism, in order to allow his students that same element of appreciation.

When responding to his thoughts on MTSU, he emphasized his love for the friendliness, diversity, and creativity of the campus’ students and colleagues.  However, Dr. Oliver argues that the university ought to begin critically reflecting upon traditional assumptions.  I could not agree more.  I feel that so many university settings, as much as they would like to defend themselves of the accusation, do fall into this realm of adherence to questionable traditional methods and fear of structural change.

When faced with the question, “What do you hope students will remember about your course,” Dr. Oliver states:

I sincerely hope they'll remember that Philosophy class helped them establish a life-long habit of thinking for themselves, discussing ideas, listening to other points of view, occasionally even changing their minds about something important because of that habit. I hope they'll remember Einstein's statement: “The important thing is to never stop asking questions.” (Oliver)

I would like to tell Dr. Oliver, “Congratulations!”  Why?  Because I know that I will not forget these habits of listening, and discussing, and challenging assumptions.  I think it would be difficult for any of us to.  These habits are ingredients in the recipe for personal and life-long success.

I found Dr. Oliver’s response to his philosophy on teaching ironic.  All semester long, I have pondered upon these questions: How does he do that? How does he give an entirely extemporaneous, incredibly sophisticated lecture at the beginning of each class?  How can he stray from topic to topic, while still maintaining that high level of intelligent thought and knowledge?  I could never do it.  Well, Dr. Oliver answered by long pondered upon questions.  According to himself, his teaching philosophy “is to follow William James's advice: prepare by thoroughly immersing in the subject, then when you get in the classroom ‘trust your spontaneity.’  On life, Oliver claims that we must all accept the fact that we will die, but we must also remember how lucky we are to have gotten to live at all.  I admire his statement, “Try to make a contribution to the ‘continuous human community.’

Discussing with him his greatest concerns as a student, I was inspired by his response.  He claimed that he lacked confidence in his intelligence and discipline.  He was quick to be disappointed in himself when he couldn’t immediately understand certain ideas.  Hearing such an intelligent, confident speaker say that HE struggled with confidence, was certainly gave me hope that I, too, can conquer my insecurities.  We may not be as disabled as we think.

In his view of the ideal/successful student, Dr. Oliver hits the nail on the spot.  In order for a student to succeed academically, he or she must have self discipline, patience, and an eagerness to learn and engage with other individuals from the intellectual community.

Give yourself permission to think. Experiment with ideas and attitudes you didn't bring with you to campus. Really talk to your profs (go to office hours even when you don't have an issue or problem to resolve), engage with your peers, get involved with student organizations, remember that if you put more of yourself into it now you'll look back on your time in college with fondness for the freedom it gave you to discover who you are and can be. To paraphrase Thoreau: be good for something. (Oliver)

I am honored to have gotten the opportunity to get to know my professor better and hear his thoughts and responses.  I hope whoever reads my post can appreciate learning more about this remarkable man and what he has to say about life, MTSU, learning, and success, as much as I know I did.  Most importantly, I would like to profusely thank Dr. James P. Oliver for his time in this assignment, as well as for the opportunity he has given me, and many others.  Dr. Oliver, you will definitely be seeing me in a future philosophy class. (Namely, “the philosophy of happiness”

Arielle Roides