4 ms·

Can't tell if you're enlightened or institutionalized. > Scholarly work really helps shape the way you look at life for the better. Like what? What scenario d

Can't tell if you're enlightened or institutionalized. > Scholarly work really helps shape the way you look at life for the better. Like what? What scenario did you encounter and how did your studies help you? Otherwise it sounds like a vague claim that every religious institution would make.

dingo_bat 9y ago
> Otherwise it sounds like a vague claim that every religious institution would make. Yeah it's like when people defend hazing. "Oh it builds character!" No thanks please.
peterwwillis 9y ago
If I can steal your question for the parent comment and get more specific: > the way you look at life for the better Do you feel your outlook has improved, or are your life outcomes measurably better, and how? Additional question: was it worth the $37,000 in debt, and do you think that perhaps we could achieve the same better-ness with less debt?
Xylakant 9y ago
> Like what? What scenario did you encounter and how did your studies help you? Otherwise it sounds like a vague claim that every religious institution would make. Studying for a degree involves more than just reading a book. A good degree (no matter what major you choose) should leave you with the skills and capabilities to learn and teach yourself new skills. This - not the knowledge gained - is by far the most valuable takeaway that I have from my studies: Oh, I need to learn about the problem space X. How do I start, research, teach myself things about something previously unknown. School teaches knowledge, university learning skills.
- smokeyj 9y ago
  Degrees are cost prohibitive and there's no incentive to increase supply. Higher costs signal exclusivity and prestige - which I would argue is the true value of a degree. It's an item of luxury that is intended to open doors for you. If we could objectively measure the tangible benefits of a degree and replicate it with a low cost alternative - it still wouldn't carry the same prestige because it's not exclusionary. I think the greatest barrier to truly accessible education is our status seeking behavior.
- csomar 9y ago
  This was not my experience. I think the University in this case matters; and thus we shall not conclude that all of them are useless or priceless. My opinion is that many (I'd say most but I'm not certain) of the universities in the US are pretty good.

dingo_bat 9y ago

> Otherwise it sounds like a vague claim that every religious institution would make. Yeah it's like when people defend hazing. "Oh it builds character!" No thanks please.

peterwwillis 9y ago

If I can steal your question for the parent comment and get more specific: > the way you look at life for the better Do you feel your outlook has improved, or are your life outcomes measurably better, and how? Additional question: was it worth the $37,000 in debt, and do you think that perhaps we could achieve the same better-ness with less debt?

Xylakant 9y ago

> Like what? What scenario did you encounter and how did your studies help you? Otherwise it sounds like a vague claim that every religious institution would make. Studying for a degree involves more than just reading a book. A good degree (no matter what major you choose) should leave you with the skills and capabilities to learn and teach yourself new skills. This - not the knowledge gained - is by far the most valuable takeaway that I have from my studies: Oh, I need to learn about the problem space X. How do I start, research, teach myself things about something previously unknown. School teaches knowledge, university learning skills.

smokeyj 9y ago
Degrees are cost prohibitive and there's no incentive to increase supply. Higher costs signal exclusivity and prestige - which I would argue is the true value of a degree. It's an item of luxury that is intended to open doors for you. If we could objectively measure the tangible benefits of a degree and replicate it with a low cost alternative - it still wouldn't carry the same prestige because it's not exclusionary. I think the greatest barrier to truly accessible education is our status seeking behavior.
csomar 9y ago
This was not my experience. I think the University in this case matters; and thus we shall not conclude that all of them are useless or priceless. My opinion is that many (I'd say most but I'm not certain) of the universities in the US are pretty good.