Many of you will have now heard about the despicable conduct of Middlesex University, and specifically the Dean of Arts and Education Ed Esche, in having cut the entirety of their philosophy department. Information is abounding, so here are just a few sources to turn to:
- Infinite Thought has been posting updates and information non-stop
- There is a facebook group, a twitter account, and a Save Middlesex Philosophy blog
- A petition to sign and a list of administrators at Middlesex to email
- IT also has a list of blog posts responding to the closure
Continental philosophy, to say nothing of philosophy more generally and of the humanities at large, is a field under siege, and the closure of Middlesex is a bad omen. Middlesex was one of the strongest and most vibrant departments in the English-speaking world, and if it can fall, there is no telling what other damage can be done. Something has to be done about this.
Expect a post here after the weekend on the philosophical implications.
Not to be a nag, but are you still planning on making that post? I know there’s been much digital ink spilled over the matter, but I’m curious to read your thoughts.