What is Philosophy?
The critical (characterized by careful evaluation and judgment) and theoretical study of the deepest issues of concern to human beings.
What Are the Main Areas of Philosophy?
- Metaphysics: the study of the nature of reality
- Epistemology: the study of knowledge
- Logic: the study of correct reasoning
- Ethics: the study of moral values
- Philosophy of Art: the study of artistic values
- Social and Political Philosophy
- History of Philosophy
What Skills and Insights Can I Gain from the Study of Philosophy?
- problem-solving and decision-making
- communication: reading, listening, speaking, and writing
- critical thinking: analysis, evaluation, and persuasion
- concern with values, autonomy, and moral responsibility
- creative thinking: analogy, synthesis, and multiple perspectives
- understanding other disciplines
- methods of research and analysis
- historical and cultural awareness
Preparation for Graduate or Professional School
A major in philosophy is excellent preparation for graduate study in many areas. Philosophy majors pursue advanced degrees not only in the liberal arts, but also in law, medicine, theology, and business. Philosophy majors score exceptionally well on the Law School Admissions Test, the Graduate Record Exam, and the Graduate Management Aptitude Test. In recent years, philosophy majors scored higher on the LSAT than all other majors except math and economics. On the GMAT philosophy majors scored higher than all others except physics majors. On the verbal reasoning and analytical writing sections of the GRE, philosophy majors scored higher than all other majors. On the quantitative reasoning section, philosophy majors scored higher than all other majors in the humanities and social sciences. These results show that philosophy majors are exceptionally well prepared for graduate and professional schools.
Preparation for Careers
Most of you will change careers several times in your life. The study of philosophy develops skills that will serve you throughout your life in all of your chosen careers. Even if you do not plan to obtain an advanced degree, philosophy can help prepare you for a career when you graduate. When combined with another field of study as a double major or minor, philosophy helps prepare students for careers in education, journalism, social work, and many other fields.
Preparation for a Better Life
Leisure time in our society is increasing. As it does, your ability to pursue a variety of interests and to foster personal relationships increases. An undergraduate education can prepare you not only for your future careers, but also for your future life. Philosophy can help you to make a better living, and to make a better life. By reflecting deeply on fundamental issues, you can gain the insight necessary for a rich full life for yourself and those close to you.