The humanities in Australian universities

Retaining a concern for ordinary workers and support for Labor achievements in terms of health and education, I even got published in Quadrant on four occasions from late 2006 to early 2008.

And during my research work for universities since October 2008, I managed to produce a few academic articles that were critical of Labor government programs in regard to the Home Insulation Program, the Building the Education Revolution and Community Cabinet meetings. Quite simply, my interpretation of the evidence made it impossible not to justify considerable criticism.

I also produced two academic articles that sought to explain why the Howard government (1996-2007) was successful in electoral terms. While I never voted for Howard, the evidence suggested a pragmatic approach by the Howard government in line with community attitudes, and in contrast to the criticism that came from many humanities academics. Their bias made it quite easy to get published.

So what do I think of the contribution of the humanities in Australian universities? In a few words, I believe that a better contribution could be offered by scholars more willing to examine a greater range of evidence in line with the reality that many Australians vote coalition for a number of reasons. They are not all fools brainwashed by a supposed biased media.

So, returning back to Tristan's response, which also supports Bolt's liberal rights as long as they do not apply overwhelmingly to the rights of 'the establishment', yes use all evidence to point out negative consequences of recent policy trends or even capitalism.

My interpretation of evidence may indeed prove flawed at times, but I see little evidence to suggest that the Coalition is not sympathetic to a variety of social causes. In fact, as someone who has studied various policy issues in recent times, I voted for the Coalition in 2010 and 2013 to provide a more effective economic and social policy mx.

The problem for the left, as I suggested earlier, is that their efforts to strive for a fairer society remains futile without adequate regard or understanding of the complexities that may complicate policy possibilities. Perhaps that is why the so-called right is having greater influence these days.

While the teaching of Marx in universities is important to highlight considerable past intellectual efforts representative of their day, along with helping to teach students to critically assess strengths and weaknesses of various arguments, the extensive use of all available evidence is crucial to any effective argument between the so-called left and right.

A comprehensive examination and search for all relevant evidence remains true for any scholar, whether it be for the humanities or mainstream journals or books. An effort to master all available evidence (as best as one can) is always necessary in public policy debate, whether it be to protect the vulnerable or explain the need for harsh reform, or even highlight the various strengths or weaknesses of recent policy trends.

Blaming the pin up boys of the left or right is merely a copout.