Should I study philosophy?

Have you ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 2 AM, questioning what life's all about or or wondering what's the best way to live your life?

A philosophy degree offers a structured way to dive into big questions like these with the guidance of thinkers who have debated them for centuries.

It isn't just about sitting around and pondering life's mysteries. Philosophy can help you make better decisions, sharpen your critical thinking, and open up different career paths.

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In philosophy, you'll question your assumptions and dive deep into fundamental questions about reality and the human experience. You'll study topics like:

• Logic: The philosophy of clear thinking, constructing arguments, and identifying fallacies.

• Ethics: The study of morality and the frameworks behind "right" and "wrong."

• Metaphysics: The philosophy of reality and what lies beyond the physical world.

• Epistemology: The nature of knowledge, belief, and how we understand truth.

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Skills You'll Gain

Your journey through philosophy will equip you with transferable skills that go beyond the classroom. You'll get better at:

• Critical thinking: Evaluating arguments with a sharp, analytical mindset.

• Logical reasoning: Forming sound conclusions based on evidence and logic.

• Problem-solving: Approaching challenges with structured thinking to find effective solutions.

• Analyzing complex ideas: Breaking down difficult concepts into understandable parts.

• Communicating clearly: Expressing complex thoughts in a clear and concise way.

It’s a common myth that philosophy degrees don’t lead to jobs. While it’s true that philosophy doesn’t lead to a specific job, it builds valuable skills that are highly valued in several fields:

• Writing/Editing: Create content for publications or websites.

• Ethics: Work in healthcare, tech, business, or government, advising on ethical decision-making.

• Public policy: Use analytical skills to evaluate and develop policy recommendations.

• Academia: Teach philosophy or related subjects at the college level.

• Law: Go on to law school with enhanced critical thinking and logical reasoning.

If you're interested in philosophy but unsure about committing to a degree, you might want to explore it on your own first.

Degree

• Follow a curriculum with set milestones.

• Requires paying tuition and fees.

• Access to professors and classmates for feedback and debate.

• Clear guidance and accountability through deadlines.

• Earn a recognized degree, beneficial for certain careers.

Self-Study

• Explore topics freely at your own pace.

• Learn for free or at low cost.

• You may have limited access to interaction with experts or peers.

• Self-discipline and self-motivation are crucial to staying on task.

• No formal credential is given.

If you're interested in philosophy but want to explore other options, consider related majors that develop similar skills:

• Political science: Study government, policy, and political systems.

• Literature: Focus on critical analysis and interpretation of texts.

• Psychology: Examine human behavior and mental processes.

• Sociology: Explore social structures, social behavior, and cultural influences.

• History: Research and analyze past events and their impacts on the present.

• Law: Develop skills in legal reasoning, argumentation, and ethics.

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Ready to take the next step? Here's what you can do: