Kalalau Interviews Socrates about Gally

Let's imagine that Socrates has returned from the turn of the fourth century B.C. and visited Gallaudet University. Kalalau has an opportunity to engage Socrates in the following dialogue about happiness on campus.

Kalalau: Socrates, thank you for coming here. How do find Kendall Green, the name of campus at Gallaudet University?

Socrates: Pleasure is mine. Kendall Green is a well-groomed place, which is surprising because it is located in a questionable neighborhood. Kal, I have got a question to ask.

Kal: (laughing) That is very typical of you. I do expect you to question so go ahead and shoot questions.

Soc: When I ask you, please understand that I am not lmiting your knowledge claims to your area of genuine expertise. (grin) I was accused of that charge many centuries ago. Would you have them tell you false things to comfort you?

Kal: (figuring out the meaning of the question) No, I wouldn't be comfortable.

Soc: I am glad to hear that. If it is true that Gallaudet University now says only what they truly believe, do you believe only for which there is good evidence that students are happy at Gallaudet University?

Kal: Well, my real complaint is not that the university administration is epistemologically modest--a virtue you taught, but rather that they are ethically selective--a vice that you condemn. I found it very odd to ask student government leaders about academic welfare on campus.

Soc: So your implication that the latter follows from the former is fallacious. Does the present administration not know what is wrong with students, nor what to do next?

Kal: I'm not sure how to answer your rather loaded questions. However, again, I do find it odd, if not crazy, to have the students tell "the skyrocketing morale now ongoing since the reform movement has been taking place over the last several months at Gallaudet." I would love to hear from professors about morale there, too!

Soc: Is it the attitude that ideally distinguishes a "calling," a "profession," from a mere job? The administration that the students have dealt with is different to commit itself to welfare among the students, a commitment that requires no special knowledge. Is the administration acting like mechanics?

Kal: Yes, I think Gallaudet University is being challenged to maintain accreditation, and it needs to assure us that all goes well on campus. It's like a miracle.

Soc: Are you implying that the university administration needs to appear academically challenged?

Kal: Yes.

Soc: Why?

Kal: I think that like all other colleges and universities, Gallaudet University is to community of alienation and accommodation as well as affirmation.

Soc: Are you suggesting that at Gallaudet, learning itself is an ego-bruising task?

Kal: Yes.

Soc: To master the art of learning, one needs to admit, "I do not know." Is that correct?

Kal: Yes.

Soc: So you do not know about morale at Gallaudet University, correct?

Kal: Correct!