Labeling the Teacher Misses the Point

In your May 23 story on Chapman University you identify me as “libertarian philosopher Tibor Machan,” perhaps so as to contrast my qualifications to teach business ethics with those of members of the philosophy department at Chapman who are, well, just philosophers, without affiliation with some viewpoint.

In fact, I am a 30-year veteran of teaching ethics from Cal State Bakersfield, to University of San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, Auburn University, Alabama, U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Adelphi University, Long Island, N.Y.

I lack nothing that philosophy professors who teach ethics and business ethics possess, namely, an outstanding background in the field, numerous scholarly publications, encyclopedia entries in the field of business ethics, ethics and political philosophy, and books edited in business ethics and authored in ethics proper.

Indeed, The Times ought to have folks who know this since I’ve written many columns for it over the years.

The fact that I was appointed in the School of Business & Economics and had trustee support should be irrelevant--what should count is my qualifications and abilities. Has anyone called those into question? Is there evidence that I am some mouthpiece for a trustee?

Well, in that case, perhaps you ought to have checked things out.

Incidentally, it is a myth to think that trustees at other universities do not try to make an impact, in some measure. Indeed, that is why they often become trustees. It is, however, up to faculty to remain independent thinkers, not for sale to anyone.

And while I am indeed a libertarian, I am no more a “libertarian philosopher” than any philosopher with political convictions is merely a philosopher of those convictions.

TIBOR R. MACHAN

Chapman University