Metaphysical University

[Guest]

http://www.umsonline.org/

I wandered upon this the other day and thought that it might interest some.

Enjoy

 

[zeb1094]

So I can get a Doctorate in Meditation and Meditation techniques! Cool!

 

[Aurora Black]

Groovy.

 

[NoJo]

I resent having to pay $2,000 for enlightenment. There has to be a cheaper way.

 

[Guest]

I really liked the information on the site and have sent for more information. I was happy to see that they were accredited. I think that with many seeking to learn more about these types of studies instead of just the traditional 'values' forced down our throats why not have a university just for them.

 

[entitled]

*makes note to check the site out later*

 

[china-doll]

Groovy.

Far Out Man.

 

[Guest]

*bump*

 

[carsonshepherd]

I resent having to pay $2,000 for enlightenment. There has to be a cheaper way.

I could give you my 3-step plan for a mere $1000.

 

[Xelebes]

I could give you my 3-step plan for a mere $1000.

It should not require a strip-tease in the curriculum.

 

[Guest]

Gee it just thrills me that I can post something that I thought was something that some AHers would wish to see but instead ended up as the butt of jokes because some thought it was more fun to pick at it instead of take a serious look. Thank you as always.

 

[Selena_Kitt]

I could give you my 3-step plan for a mere $1000.

Mine's only one step, and it's only $333 <grin>


I think it's great, Elizabeth... there should be more places where people can go to follow their true calling out of the mainstream...

I love the Mystery Schools... one of these days, when I have money...

 

[Liar]

Well, if you want a serious reply, here goes. I'm all about people finding things that interrest them. And existential, moral spritual and general philosophy, which seems to be the gist of most of the articles listed further down, is something that I think we need more of in this reflectionless age. But about this particular place, I have to say that I have my doubts.

First, there is the name of the science: I've studied basic metaphysics, and what I've learned about it is a far cry from what this place seems to teach. It's the foundation of logic, the building blocks of deduction and absolute positivistic science. Here there are courses in fasting, hypnosis, yoga, aura weaving, astrology... basically spritiual teachings. Which is, well, something completely different. Parimeides (greek granddaddy of metaphysics) would go "Huh, why are they using a term that flys directly in the face of what they are all about, as their name?" But in ancient Greek. They seem to draw their definition from Aristotele's meta as "beyond", which first of all is only one of many possible translations of the term, and secondly an intepretation of "beyond" that I'm positive Aristotele would not agree with. Its not beyond physics as in "thouse things that operate outside physics" but as in "thouse things that operate beneath physics, the mechanics that the most basic mechanics of the universe are constructed of"

Second, it's the name of the learning site. I wasn't aware that there could be Universities that deals with single and narrow subjects alone like this. Seems like just a title they have bestowed upon themselves to make them look good. Reminds me more of those "Buy a Degree" spams then anything else in that regard. But anyway, I might be wring about that. What ARE the qualifications to call your learning center a University?

Got nothing against spiritual teachings. Just this place's approach.

 

[Joe Wordsworth]

Well, if you want a serious reply, here goes. I'm all about people finding things that interrest them. And existential, moral spritual and general philosophy, which seems to be the gist of most of the articles listed further down, is something that I think we need more of in this reflectionless age. But about this particular place, I have to say that I have my doubts.

First, there is the name of the science: I've studied basic metaphysics, and what I've learned about it is a far cry from what this place seems to teach. It's the foundation of logic, the building blocks of deduction and absolute positivistic science. Here there are courses in fasting, hypnosis, yoga, aura weaving, astrology... basically spritiual teachings. Which is, well, something completely different. Parimeides (greek granddaddy of metaphysics) would go "Huh, why are they using a term that flys directly in the face of what they are all about, as their name?" But in ancient Greek. They seem to draw their definition from Aristotele's meta as "beyond", which first of all is only one of many possible translations of the term, and secondly an intepretation of "beyond" that I'm positive Aristotele would not agree with. Its not beyond physics as in "thouse things that operate outside physics" but as in "thouse things that operate beneath physics, the mechanics that the most basic mechanics of the universe are constructed of"

Second, it's the name of the learning site. I wasn't aware that there could be Universities that deals with single and narrow subjects alone like this. Seems like just a title they have bestowed upon themselves to make them look good. Reminds me more of those "Buy a Degree" spams then anything else in that regard. But anyway, I might be wring about that. What ARE the qualifications to call your learning center a University?

Got nothing against spiritual teachings. Just this place's approach.

Agreed.

As someone who lives and breathes philosophy, has for years, and has a handful of publication and degrees in it... I find how they're presenting themselves to be nearly offensive.

It's not philosophy (or metaphysics) they are promoting. Its not even sophism (which Parmenides would have at least given a nod to, incidentally). It's mysticism reaching for intellectual validation.

But, then again, I admit that I have high standards for the word "philosophy" and "logic" and consider most people's everyday ventures into those areas to be a lot like Mad Dog 2020 being called "fine wine".

*shudder*

 

[Pure]

I'm sure you can learn something there, Elizabeth,

however you're on your own as far as any other institutions go, since the UM is not accredited in the normal sense of the term:

essentially, they're under the radar because they present as a religious institution; i.e., they're certifying for their own; the university is an offspring of the Church of Metaphysics.

it's unclear to me why certification by an association of drugless practitioners should count for accreditation.


quote from the site:
Because Metaphysical Sciences is considered a “new emerging field of study” by federal and educational agencies, UMS does not qualify for traditional accreditation that universities like private and state universities, community colleges, and other secular institutions qualify for.

The traditional accrediting agencies, of which there are nine, have made it known to UMS that they do not have any other colleges like this one to compare UMS to, therefore they cannot do an evaluation of us by “comparing us to our peers.” Perhaps at a later date in time they can.[...]


UMS is accredited by the AADP, American Association of Drugless Practitioners (www.aadp.net) and the AAMA, American Association Of Medical Alternatives (www.joinaama.com). Please feel free to visit their sites and check our school listing with them. Students and graduates of UMS are eligible to apply for membership within these and other organizations upon attainment of the degree that makes them eligible for acceptance by the respective agency.

AADP, American Association Of Drugless Practitionershttp://www.aadp.netAAMA, American Association Of Medical Alternativeshttp://www.joinaama.comUMS is not accredited by an accreditation association recognized by the United States Department of Education.

You cannot attend UMS for the purpose of transferring credits among traditional secular colleges or for the purpose of getting federal grants or loans. UMS is a religious degree granting institution, and the degrees can only be applicable to such a field. UMS is a religious exempt school and does not need to attain these types of accreditations because it is not preparing students for careers in secular fields.

 

[Matadore]

A way to pay tuition?

Breatharianism, BR318
How do they do it? People truly do live on air, light and earth energy alone, without food. Breatharianism produces wonderful states of consciousness and defys the "unescapable" physical law that we think we must eat food in order to live. Find out all about it from a living Breatharian.

 

[NoJo]

I have to chime in my agreement with Liar and Joe here. I think it's a pity that they want to appear bone fide, by adopting the style and image of more traditional teaching organizations. This reminds me of Dianetics, which according to urban myth started out as a Science Fiction writer's prank.

I've spent the last two years in a biomedical team, developing ways of reducing stress in outpatients with heart conditions. Meditation techniques as taught in India and China are extremely effective. So are the various visualization methods used by hypnotists.

These days I'm more interested in effective treatment rather than understanding how the treatment works. I don't doubt that biomedical research will shed light on how meditation and hypotherapy works. But I won't find any of that stuff out from the Metaphysical University. The quest for understanding is not a mystical, magical process: It's what scientists do for a living, and it's mostly quite dull and demanding work.