Philosophy



Description of Major

Philosophy is a reasoned pursuit of fundamental truths, a quest for understanding, and a study of principles and conduct. The questions it studies include the traditional questions such as,

Is genuine knowledge possible? What kind of thing is a thought? Is there such a thing as free will? What is the basis for morality?

Philosophy seeks to establish standards of evidence, to provide rational methods for resolving conflicts, and to create techniques for evaluating ideas and arguments. For example, philosophy asks:

What are the characteristics of sound reasoning? How does science make progress? What is the right way to make a decision?

Philosophy deals with a variety of issues that arise in the context of contemporary science and morality. For example,

Will it ever be possible for computers to think? Do our genes control our destiny?

Philosophy develops the capacity to see the world from the perspective of other individuals and cultures and it enhances one’s ability to perceive the relationships among the various fields of study. The traditional subfields of philosophy are logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and the history of philosophy.

Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of Study

The study of philosophy develops excellent transferable skills such as the ability to solve problems, to communicate, to organize ideas and issues, to assess pros and cons, to synthesize complex data, the ability to frame hypotheses and conduct research, the ability to present clear and sound arguments, and logic.

Career Options

• Careers Specific to the Bachelor’s Degree

  There are few careers that specifically require an undergraduate degree in philosophy without also requiring a graduate degree.

• Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor’s Degree

  A major in philosophy enhances a graduate’s career options in many fields. Philosophy majors find careers in publishing, marketing, computer science, journalism, federal, state and local government, insurance, real estate, technical writing, and teaching.

  ""In recent years, within their "Careers and Business," section such papers as The New York Times have been proclaiming the rediscovery of the philosophy major. Major employers of university graduates are finding that philosophy majors have finely honed analytic skills and problem solving abilities that make them extremely effective in a variety of professional careers.

  Why would employers in business, management, public administration, and such professions as journalism, public health, criminal justice, and the legal professions be attracted to philosophy majors?

  The answer that is frequently given is that such professions find they have increasing need for candidates who are less narrowly trained, who are able to look at issues from a variety of viewpoints, who have the ability to think questions through, on the basis of sound reasoning and solid evidence." (Quoted from "Why Study Philosophy," Dr. George James, University of North Texas)
   

• Careers that Normally Require a Graduate Degree

  Philosophy is quite suitable as a major for preprofessional students. It may be an ideal major for those who plan to enter law school, and also provides excellent preparation for medical school or graduate business programs. Teaching positions at colleges and universities will require a graduate degree.

• Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this Major

  Classical studies, computer science, economics, English, history, journalism, linguistics, mathematics, political science, psychology, religious studies, sociology, and telecommunications.

Employment Opportunities

• Job Outlook

  Academic positions in philosophy typically require the Ph.D. and remain far fewer than the available pool of applicants. This situation will inevitably fluctuate to some extent, but students should make a very careful evaluation before deciding on an academic career in philosophy.

  Nonacademic positions do not usually require an undergraduate major in philosophy but often benefit from one. The job market there varies with the job market generally. See resources such as the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook at the Career Resources @ CDC.

• Salary Information

  Varies according to the wide variety of career fields. See the Salary Information Notebook at the Career Resources @ CDC.

• Potential Career Growth

  See above information.

Visit the UC Philosophy Department

Philosophy Links:

American Philosophical Association

The World-Wide-Web Virtual Library of Philosophy

Episteme Links

Link to McMicken Arts & Sciences

What can I do with this degree?