Comments on: Personal Politics and Professional Practice

By: Brooks Simpson

Brooks Simpson — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:49:35 +0000

I didn’t criticize his beliefs, Edward. I simply displayed the difficulties with his logic. He brought no evidence to bear on the question of how political beliefs influence teaching.

Remember the sentence:

“So, by Don’s own reasoning (and his own politics) his criticisms can be dismissed as those of a paranoid right-wing ideologue.”

“By his own reasoning …” I passed no judgment on Don’s politics. I am criticizing his logic by applying it to him. There is a difference.

By: Edward

Edward — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:08:28 +0000

Dr. Simpson,

While I understand where you are coming from, I think you violate the message of your fine post when you criticize Don by bringing in his political beliefs on other issues rather than debating the topic he brought forth based on the evidence presented and other topic-relevant evidence you might bring in.

Just my thoughts. Nice post though.

By: Larry Heidbreder

Larry Heidbreder — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:10:06 +0000

I am researching how professional historians perpetuted the Myth of the Lost Cause from about 1900 to present. This fits into your current post about professional pratices.

In your humble opinion, who would you put in this catagory and do you believe there are still professional historians promoting this view today?

By: Paul Taylor

Paul Taylor — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:07:12 +0000

Mr. Rafuse writes, “how does ones scholarship and study shape their political views. Why is it that people who study history professionally tend to be more liberal politically? Is there something about being informed that makes one liberal? (Does “truth” have a liberal bias?)”

Good question, however I’ve often wondered how and if one’s political views impacts their choice of profession? A chicken or the egg scenario to be sure.

By: Sherree Tannen

Sherree Tannen — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:59:16 +0000

This is a very thoughtful post, Brooks. Thank you for writing it.

I, like many Americans–including you and the writers of this blog–am not interested in driving this nation over the side of a cliff, as your fellow blogger eloquently stated. I am looking for a middle ground. Thank you for attempting to find it in your field. I hope that you and your family have a wonderful holiday.

By: Brooks D. Simpson

Brooks D. Simpson — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:32:03 +0000

Don, I’m not name-calling (unless you are ashamed of your political beliefs). I’m merely describing you by applying your own logic to your posts. You’ve reduced everything to an expression of one’s political beliefs, and so I thought people out there would like to see what the sage of Spring Hill thinks about other issues.

No one with any brains thinks I’m a communist, but that you imply as much attests to the accuracy of my description of you. So it would serve a purpose … of confirming that I’m right about you (pun intended).

You have still failed to make a link between one’s political beliefs and what one teaches. I’m not the only person to note that. In short, you have no point to make, although you have served as a wonderful illustration of the pattern I described.

Have a nice holiday.

By: Ethan S. Rafuse

Ethan S. Rafuse — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:34:18 +0000

Oh, come on, Jim. I am not saying you are not smart, but EVERYONE knows that math is an evidence based discipline, and therefore has an OBSCENE liberal bias.

By: Donald W. Plezia

Donald W. Plezia — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:56:56 +0000

HAVE A NICE THANKSGIVING!

By: Donald W. Plezia

Donald W. Plezia — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:55:36 +0000

“paranoid right-wing ideologue”

The famous liberal banality.

Can’t you carry on an intelligent conversation w/o name calling?

Would it serve any purpose if I called ou a communist?

By: James F. Epperson

James F. Epperson — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:41:41 +0000

Just as an FYI, mathematicians tend to be liberal, too. I think it is simply because we are so smart, of course