問題詳情
B. Paul Weiss, 90, is a world-class philosopher, an emeritus Sterling Professor atYale and author of a score of books. He was once regarded as a prize catch byCatholic University in Washington, D.C. But last summer Weiss was told that he was being demoted to teaching graduate students part time. The reason, according to theuniversity, was “shifting priorities,” since Weiss’s high personal brand ofmetaphysics no longer suited the needs of the university’s philosophy department. But the real reason that Weiss was shoved aside, according to a report by theU.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, was his age. When an EEOCinvestigator asked a university official what factors went into the decision not torenew his teaching contract, the official answered, “He’s 90. Undergraduates shouldnot be taught by someone like a grandfather,’” the official told the EEOC. Earlier thismonth, the EEOC gave Catholic a year to work out a settlement with Weiss. If theuniversity fails, the agency will sue for age discrimination. When is a teacher too old to teach? Aren’t philosophers supposed to get wiser asthey get older? Bertrand Russell worked into his 90s, Kant into his 70s and Socratesuntil he was about 70. Weiss believes he is another wise man handed a goblet ofhemlock. He is determined to get his job back, even if it means a messy lawsuit. Father William Byron, Catholic’s president, insists that the university went outof its way to care for Weiss. He says that Catholic allowed Weiss to teach students outof his apartment after he was slowed down by a back operation two years ago. Suchan arrangement is “absolutely unprecedented.” In testifying before the EEOC,Catholic administrators alluded to Weiss’s “fading reputation.” “Reputation!”exclaims Weiss. “They have no reputation. I was in Who’s Who in the World. Theyare not. They teach philosophy. I’m a philosopher.” Weiss shows off his latest manuscript, “Being and Other Realities,” 500 pages oftypescript covered with changes in black ink. “Revise! Revise! I am constantlyrevising,” he growls. He works on the book from morning till night but says hemisses his students. “I cherish teaching,” he says. When will he be ready to give itup? “When I’m vague and puttering,” he barks, in a tone that defies anyone tosuggest that he is either.
【題組】26. Which of the following is FALSE?
(A) Professor Weiss teaches philosophy at Catholic University.
(B) Officials at Catholic University believe that Professor Weiss is too old toteach.
(C) Officials must make proper arrangement for Professor Weiss within one year.
(D) Professor Weiss has been taken good care of by officials before he retires.
參考答案
答案：D
難度：適中0.5
統計：A(0),B(0),C(0),D(0),E(0)