Arthur McGovern

I believe that education is the basic mechanism for the continued development of the Enlightenment based ideas that have led to our present forms of democracy and justice. We are free, but we also exist within a community and must live by the dictates of communal existence. The psychologist Alfred Adler referred to the recognition of this fact as “social feeling.” Our social feeling constantly reminds us that we have a duty to our fellow human beings. Though not always consciously present, it is a fundamental factor that guides our actions. Philosophically, I agree with John Dewey’s idea that education should include both practical and liberal components in order to produce “continuous growth of the mind and a continuous illumination of life”. Growth and illumination in this context are prerequisites to both personal development and successful social integration. Per Dewey, there is a link between education and democracy, and an educated populace is necessary or a truly engaged democratic society. However, I think that these ideas should always be open to rational analysis and critique, especially by students who are taught critical and reflective thinking skills as part of the curriculum.

As an educator I feel that my responsibilities include the teaching of critical thinking skills and a deep commitment to “voice” and emancipation. I feel that critical thinking skills and a deep commitment to justice and emancipation should be coupled with the development of social awareness. This leads me to incorporate critical theory into my teaching efforts. The main characteristic of this philosophical perspective is that social theory should play a significant role in changing the world. In my view, critical analysis of social institutions and the norms and assumptions that underpin them should be engaged in from time to time. It is no longer adequate to trust in the idea that society is moving in a healthy, progressive manner. To this end, I believe that a discursive learning environment is best suited for today’s students. Discursive learning implies an emphasis on rational dialogue as a way for students to analyze and ultimately critique the information presented by authority figures as knowledge. Eventually, students engaged in discursive learning would be able to apply these critical analytical skills to their own current socio-economic realities.

My personal interests are broad and varied. I enjoy good food, good wine, good friends, and good music. I also like bad jokes, bicycles, backgammon, and the philosophy of Baudrillard.

Professionally, I conduct research into the connections between psycholinguistics and personal growth and well-being. My interests include narrative psychology and the recent developments in the field of positive psychology.

PSY-151-01 General Psychology DAV111 10:50AM - 12:05P MW

PSY-151-03 General Psychology DAV209 02:15PM - 03:30PM MW

PSY-151-07 General Psychology DAV101 02:15PM - 03:30PM TF

PSY-275-01 Educational Psychology ACAD301 10:50AM - 12:05PM TF

PSY-465-01 Experimental Psychology ACAD103 12:15PM - 01:30PM MW