Stephen Law

--> Why study philosophy? Philosophy is fascinating, which is one of the best reasons to study anything. But there are other good reasons to study philosophy, particularly at university. Here are three. 1. Transferable skills that employers value. Many degree programmes focus on teaching facts to be memorized (teaching that can soon go out of date). Philosophy, on the other hand, focuses much more developing skills – skills that you will find valuable whatever your chosen path in life. These skills include: The ability to cut through waffle The ability to spot errors in reasoning The ability to make a point with clarity and precision The ability to analyze complex issues and arguments The ability to think independently and creatively (to “think out of the box”) The ability to build a strong, rigorous case. Philosophy develops an approach to thinking and problem solving that employers value – particularly when it comes to the most interesting and rewa...

OK, bankers's endorsements aren't worth what they once were, but still, this article illustrates an important point. .. For more info on why study philosophy rather than e.g. business administration, go here . You might be amazed... Why study philosophy? A statement by Jordan Kotick, Vice-President J.P. Morgan, Wall Street While considering what to study in my first year as an Undergraduate, I decided to take a few Philosophy courses. When informed of my decision, those I knew murmured, "Philosophy...what are you going to do with that?" Soon after my first year was complete, realizing that I enjoyed these courses and my intellectual curiosity was peaked and challenged, I decided that one of my double majors as an undergraduate was going to be Philosophy. The echoes grew louder as those I knew grumbled "Philosophy? What are you going to do with that?" After four years and a Bachelor of Arts Degree under my belt (with a major in Philosophy), I realiz...

This previous post bears repeating in the current economic climate... If you are wondering what kind of degree programme is likely to boost your general smarts, consider these figures. Go here . This is one of several graphs from the above article. Based on GRE test performance ( Graduate Record Examination ) of graduate programme applicants. Quantitative (math) skills on the vertical axis, verbal skills on the horizontal (other graphs include the third component - "analytical writing", at which philosophers also excel, dramatically outperforming all others). Philosophy graduates are pretty damn smart, the various figures suggest, compared to graduates with other degrees, including most - perhaps even all - sciences (though were they smarter to begin with, or did their degree programme make them smarter, compared to other degrees?). Check the article. Here 's the original table of GRE scores of US students completing a variety of degrees. Notice religion ...