Brod agrees with the objectives of critical thinking and applied philosophy courses, but he does not believe that encouraging students to set a-side their prior personal beliefs is a desirable approach. Given the prevalence of racism and sexism in society, given students' own prejudices, a morally neutral pedagogy has the effect of perpetuating bias. Brod holds that teachers must actively advocate minority views in order to get students to weigh social issues in a balanced manner. Specifically, he wants teachers to espouse leftist positions -- regardless of their own personal beliefs.

24 CURRENT PHILOSOPHY

The argument for advocacy in teaching takes both liberal and radical forms. Mill represents the liberal position, which is concerned that minority views are in danger of being given short shrift. Marcuse assumes the more radical stance that this is more than a danger; it's a fact. Furthermore, he holds that this is a problem only for the doctrines of the left, noting that when push comes to shove the center, including the liberal center, has shown a disturbing tendency to topple to the right. The radical view is also aware of 'minorities' who may actually be numerical majorities, e.g., women.

Brod shares these radical assumptions. But he cautions that he is not saying teachers should advocate the most radical views they can. After all, the most persuasive argument is usually the one that encourages the listener to move one step in the desired direction. Nor is Brod proposing a sort of reverse loyalty test for teachers. Teachers may personally be-Hjvvg^ whatever they choose j^ as long as_thev advocate a leftist position in the classroom.

Another possible objection is that such advocacy is morally suspect because it amounts to proselytizing to students and violating their autonomy. But Brod replies that an open, honest assumption of a position, coupled with an explanation of the reasons for it, is more respectful of students than being, in Mjghael Goldman's words, a 'manipulator in non-advocacy clothes.'

Finally, Brod denies that his argument is circular in that only leftists will agree that there is too much bias against leftist positions. He feels that any probing, non-partisan analysis of contemporary society would come to the same conclusion about the need to counteract prejudices in favor of the right.