Introduction to Quiddity College

The aim of this brief Introduction is to situate this unpublished manuscript in relation to Stephenson’s published writings on Q methodology and, more broadly, to his attempt to develop a science of subjectivity. The Introduction draws attention to how the core strands of Stephenson’s theory, especially the notions of self, concourse, play, and his adoption of “consciring,” converged with his lifelong interest in education. Quiddity College provides, as envisaged by Stephenson, an ideal college philosophy and curriculum for the fostering of the cultivation of subjectivity. His plans for Quiddity are developed in the light of the premise that culture is fashioned in play – in communication, societal conversation – and intelligent writing and speaking. The introduction concludes by noting how many of the themes in this manuscript resonate with current educational debates.