Thread: "Liberal" college education

Originally Posted by Boo Radley

Exactly what is liberal indoctrination?

Although it usually isn't "direct" liberal indoctrination (unless some teacher decides that it's his burden to indoctrinate his students, in which case a liberal or conservative bias could occur), kids at school are usually taught very universalist principles through programs funded at school. When these newly found principles are allowed to roam in the American dichotomy, kids will usually focus more on the political section that values internationalism and economic equity due to these principles. The natural result is a bias towards social-liberalism.

Originally Posted by Wake

One for Sociology, one for Advanced English [debate], and one for fundamentals of psychology.

There were three of total that were like that, while one I discerned was socially-conservative/Christian.

The others I did not talk with enough to know their personal beliefs in detail.

I would say that all three of those disciplines are strong candidates for turning one "liberal".

The more one learns aboit what makes people "tick", how the world actually works, the more likely you are to end up being what liberals consider "liberal".

You yourself have stated that upon learning more about various issues, your opinions have changed, become more "liberal". College professors learn a lot about a lot of things and are exposed to many perspectives. This tends to cut down on the kind of black and white thinking which tends to be a hallmark of "conservative" thought.

I've met several people raised conservative, who look at the world in a very conservative way, who "learned" to be liberal.

Originally Posted by ThePlayDrive

There are plenty of classes like that on most, if not all, university campuses. My college had a "Divinity School" where that stuff was certainly covered. In fact, I almost took a course on Jesus in college, but it was at an annoying time, so I didn't. Most colleges are about exploring all sorts of ideas, including socially conservative ones, which is one of the reasons why the accusation of college being "liberal indoctrination" is so ridiculous.

How many college professers do you suspect have stances against gay marriage and abortion?

I'm thinking more along the lines of classes that explain why gay marriage/abortion are wrong, and logical explanations/arguments as to why.

It is my observation that colleges tend to be more socially-liberal. It's doubtful a college like Berkeley would allow a traditionally Christian/socially-conservative professor. There may exist some, but definitely not as much as atheist/secular/socially-liberal professors.

Originally Posted by What if...?

I would say that all three of those disciplines are strong candidates for turning one "liberal".

The more one learns aboit what makes people "tick", how the world actually works, the more likely you are to end up being what liberals consider "liberal".

You yourself have stated that upon learning more about various issues, your opinions have changed, become more "liberal". College professors learn a lot about a lot of things and are exposed to many perspectives. This tends to cut down on the kind of black and white thinking which tends to be a hallmark of "conservative" thought.

I've met several people raised conservative, who look at the world in a very conservative way, who "learned" to be liberal.

Yet I don't see why a course of knowledge should "turn" one liberal. It should be plausible for me to be a genius in psychology, per se, and still remain socially-conservative.

I could just abandon all of my religious beliefs.

But I don't think I can. I think I can be incredibly learned on the existence God created, and every little detail within it, and still have faith.

Perhaps I step out of the bounds of this topic, but I think increased intellect doesn't necessarily mean one should be liberal or atheist. In fact, there is a man named Chris Langan, who has 200 1Q, who is trying to prove the existence of God.

I think I can learn how people "tick," for example Seasonal Affective Disorder, and still remain in my faith. Microscopy is another pool of knowledge that intensely interests me; yet, from what I have experienced in my own life, people say that to accept science is to be atheist/liberal/progressive. There are some exceptions I'm sure but it's still an annoyance for people to tell me I'm irrational or dumb for having a faith.

HOWEVER, I do agree that some studies can persuade people to be liberal, ASSUMING that said liberal postion is NOT a part of religion. Forexample, I was typically raised to be against global warming/climate. However, one can be as socially-conservative as Pentecostal/Apostolic Christians and still believe in the crisis of climate change. Imo, that's because global warming has no relevance on the whole religious/irreligious saga.

I have become a bit liberal on nonreligious issues, like climate change, government programs for the poor, etc. However, I refuse to think that increased knowledge and immersion in academi means I'm more apt to be socially-liberal.

Even the whole of logic, in its entirety, I think Traditional Christians can wield with skill. It would benefit me to find a person with my same social/religious beliefs with a mastery of logic; that'd really help me, imo.

Originally Posted by Wake

How many college professers do you suspect have stances against gay marriage and abortion?

Why does it matter what they believe?

I'm thinking more along the lines of classes that explain why gay marriage/abortion are wrong, and logical explanations/arguments as to why.

There are classes that explain religious beliefs on most college campuses, including issues on gay marriage and abortion. Because you say "explain why gay marriage is wrong" rather than "explain why certain religions think gay marriage is wrong," you appear to be looking for colleges that tell students what to believe about gay marriage/abortion rather than simply educating them on various beliefs. Places like that exist - they are called "Bible colleges".

It is my observation that colleges tend to be more socially-liberal. It's doubtful a college like Berkeley would allow a traditionally Christian/socially-conservative professor. There may exist some, but definitely not as much as atheist/secular/socially-liberal professors.

I'm sure they would allow such person although I'm not sure such a person would enjoy the student body.

Originally Posted by Boo Radley

I'm not sure I follow. If you limit yourself, and your chosen field leaves you behind, you won't be able to support yourself. This in one way or another makes you more likely to have to be cared for by others. It seems short sighted and irresponsible to not prepare yourself for the world you live in. Am I missing something?

You're again missing the fact that Principles win out for some of us. Some of us would rather be dead than to take government aid if we can't support ourselves. As I said earlier, my "retirement policy" is in my bedside table, if it ever reaches a point where I can't support myself.

Originally Posted by Tigger

You're again missing the fact that Principles win out for some of us. Some of us would rather be dead than to take government aid if we can't support ourselves. As I said earlier, my "retirement policy" is in my bedside table, if it ever reaches a point where I can't support myself.

So, extrapolating from your earlier post to this one..... You would rather commit suicide than learn 3-D modeling engineering techniques????
That is not standing by your principles. That is lunacy.

Originally Posted by Chiefgator

So, extrapolating from your earlier post to this one..... You would rather commit suicide than learn 3-D modeling engineering techniques???? That is not standing by your principles. That is lunacy.

You say Po-TAY-to. I say Po-TA-to. That's just the way I see things. I don't expect anyone else to live that way, but it is the way I will live my life.

Well, you can't have it both ways. If liberal = pro-science, and conservative = anti-science; some conservatives anti-education and liberals pro-education; can't you only expect to be left behind by the rest of the advancing world with that type of logic?

If you've done your job and raised your kids effectively the way you wish, why should you be worried about about "evil" college professors corrupting their brains?

Originally Posted by Tigger

You're again missing the fact that Principles win out for some of us. Some of us would rather be dead than to take government aid if we can't support ourselves. As I said earlier, my "retirement policy" is in my bedside table, if it ever reaches a point where I can't support myself.

I have to be honest with you, while I actually do believe you are sincere here, I really don't see any principle. I see stubbornness that actually limits options. And suicide seems something that lacks any principle at all. At least not a worthy one.