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Studying Philosphy

#3
I'm sure it would be interesting and rewarding to study but I can't for the life of me think of a job that would require you to have a philosophy degree short of teaching Philosophy. I'm sure there are some out there but none that come to my mind.
 
#4
To find a job within Philosophy? That's pretty tough.

If you are planning on going into something else, then Philosophy can be great. You can get government jobs, go to law school, go to grad school, or get other jobs that may not have anything to do with Philosophy.

In University it will be a lot tougher than High School as I figured out my freshmen year, but if you really like it after trying it out a bit, it can't hurt to go into.
 
#5
There is currently an article in the Armed Forces Journal (May 2007) entitled "A Failure in Generalship" by Lt. Col. Paul Yingling. It discusses how we got into the current mess in Iraq and one of the reasons he suggests is the lack of advanced liberal arts degrees in the officer corps. Notice that this is not the case with General Petraeus who has a PhD in International Relations from Princeton. In the past 30 years there seems to be an emphasis in this country on technical education (how to do something) and a de-emphasis on a liberal education (what should we do).

I took 36 units of Philosophy and I use it regularly at work and in the rest of my life. It is not as easy to point to as my HP financial calculator, but when it comes to management, it is more important. Whatever you begin studying will probably not be what you finish your degree in, so I say Philosophy is as good a place to start as any.
 
#9
We have some mandatory philosophy at universities over here as well.
How are the unemployment rates for academics in Canada? If they are low, philosophers should get jobs as well. Over here, where demand for academics is high, they work in both private and public sector. A friend of mine is an advisor in the ministry of education.

But anyway, if you really is interested in philosophy, then go for it. I´m sure it´s stuff you will take advantage from your whole life.
 
#11
AaronS said:
There is currently an article in the Armed Forces Journal (May 2007) entitled "A Failure in Generalship" by Lt. Col. Paul Yingling. It discusses how we got into the current mess in Iraq and one of the reasons he suggests is the lack of advanced liberal arts degrees in the officer corps. Notice that this is not the case with General Petraeus who has a PhD in International Relations from Princeton. In the past 30 years there seems to be an emphasis in this country on technical education (how to do something) and a de-emphasis on a liberal education (what should we do).
Click to expand...

Seriously?!?!?!?

I would say nearly the opposite in that theres not enough people going into math and science.

My advice, go to a liberal arts school, maybe even a religous one. You can get your science degree while still taking a liberal arts core. I think thats the best way to go.
 
#12
I have a bachelors in philosophy. Given the opportunity again I would go engineering or something more tangible.

If you like philosophy, study on your own, but get a degree that pays the bills. Unless of course you want to teach philosophy. I ended up becoming a high school teacher which has zero to do with Philosophy.

One fun thing about Phil major is you get to see/be with the absolutely most bizarre people in the university, but the novelty wears off quickly.

Also, you will find no answers in philosophy. Each major debate is split into 2 or more major camps at the top and you pretty much choose a position. And the people across from you have a reason why you are wrong and you have a reason why they are wrong and around it goes. In the end (except for logic which isn't a huge facet of philosophy) it is speculation and opinion.

But, if you like the threads in OT that have to do with abortion, gun control, religion, ethics, morality.....You might enjoy philosophy:D
 
#16
Disclaimer: I'm a professional philosopher.
Usually in popular culture, when you find out somebody (like a character in a movie or TV show) majored in philosophy, it means (a) he or she has deep thoughts and (b) he or she has no money.
While there is some truth to this, law schools and med schools LOVE philosophers. And, it should be said, my friends in grad school who weren't good enough to succeed at philosophy now have law degrees from Harvard, Georgetown, and the University of Chicago.
If you're interested in the merits of a philosophical education, a good place to look at is this: Invalid Link Removed.
 
#17
I just compleated a Philosophy degree and I am finding that it is good for transitioning into other fields of study on the graduate level IE Law or Political Science. Many employers simply require a BA or BS in anything since the training is so specific that as long as you can handle academics at that level you would be qualifed. Take a few courses and take it from there. :)
 
#19
I started the degree whille I was still in the Church , part of our Seminary "Formation" was 30 plus credits in Philosophy and by the time I decided to leave the Church I had racked too many credits to go back and do something else. If you really want to learn and open your mind Philosophy in a Secular University is the oppertunity of a lifetime. The Liberartion of Mind is one of the greatest things you could ever expirence in this life. ;)
 

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