Philosophy

Why Major in Philosophy?

Philosophy not only helps students gain an understanding of a diverse range of world views, but also aids them in articulating their own well-informed view of the world and their place in it. The questions that philosophers ask and attempt to answer are intrinsically interesting and for many people, this is reason enough to study philosophy.

There are also important, practical reasons to study philosophy. Most philosophers agree that among the great benefits of philosophy is that it challenges us to think critically about our beliefs and to justify them with good arguments. The development of critical thinking skills is something that can help all of us to make better decisions in many aspects of our lives. We can benefit personally because we will make better judgments about what is in our own long-term self-interest. We can benefit professionally because we will be able to think more clearly about decisions we have to make at work.

Philosophy can also benefit both ourselves and those around us by providing us with some of the things that are required to be good citizens. How can we make good political decisions unless we have analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of the various forms of government and unless we are capable of critically evaluating various social policies?

A background in philosophy can be of great utility in many specific career areas, such as the legal profession, the business world, journalism, science and the medical profession. In law, the prominent role played by arguments and the application of general rules to specific cases is very clear. As a result, most law schools are especially receptive to students who have a philosophical background. In addition, many businesses express a strong desire for employees who have developed the thinking and communication skills emphasized in philosophy. This is not surprising, since business people must be able to formulate and clarify problems, analyze potential solutions, and defend their own recommendations in a clear and rational way. Journalists can also clearly benefit from being able to present clear and rational analyses of various situations. Moreover, philosophical training provides an excellent background for dealing with the ethical issues that arise in any profession, particularly the medical profession, and this is something that is increasingly recognized by medical schools and by various professional bodies.

What Can You Be With a Major in Philosophy?

A major does not dictate your career; it provides you with invaluable skills and knowledge that you can apply to many areas of life and work. Here are some the careers you may want to consider pursuing with your major:

• Politician
• Journalist
• Speech Writer
• Researcher
• Search for Careers for more career possibilities.

With additional education/training…

• Lawyer
• Diplomat
• Foreign Correspondent
• Professor
• Psychologist
• Psychiatrist
• Cryptanalyst

Where Can You Work?

• Law Firms
• Political Organizations
• Business Firms
• Government Agencies
• Museums
• Social Services
• Health Care Industry
• Professional/Trade Associations

What Skills Can You Develop?

An Arts degree helps you develop transferable, functional skills such as writing, critical thinking and communication skills that employers and most work situations require. Concentrating your studies in a major allows you to gain specific transferable skills, such as those below, which are attractive to particular employers and industries.

• Ability to formulate and defend positions/ideas
• Ability to summarize complicated material
• Ability to write and speak with precision and clarity
• Ability to organize, conduct, and clearly explain research
• Formulating questions relevant to clarifying a particular problem, topic, or issue
• Linking specific issues to broad concepts
• Logical reasoning skills
• Abstract thinking skills
• Ability to debate
• Ability to trace problems
• Ability to analyze cause and effects
• Ability to make critical observations and evaluations
• Ability to listen critically
• Ability to organize and memorize detailed information
• Ability to think logically and critically and make analogies
• Ability to appreciate others' perspectives
• Understanding of other cultures and people

Professional Associations

Professional associations can be a great way to meet, learn from and network with professionals in your field of interest. Some associations offer student memberships, often at a reduced rate. Below is a sample of professional associations you can explore.

• Canadian Philosophical Association
• Canadian Society of Questers

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