What is your perception of a philosophy major?

Answer 1

Hey koolcatt,

I was thinking about that 30 years ago myself. An astute professor asked me "what I would do for a job, be a comedian?"

Not many practical jobs for a philosophy major, so, I stuck to the sciences that paid.

Answer 2

a smart person who appreciates the good things in life. i think that philosophy majors are awesome because they study so much and they actually use their minds but on a rational level as well as understand what people are trying to say and how philosophy has affected us. philosophy in the old times was for the smart ones and i guess that it will remain the same since in today' society people read a quote and think well that could mean... but they do not think outside the box which philosophy majors do!and if someone tells you that philosophy is a waste of time, that you are going to do nothing with it well at least you are doing something: learning something new everyday and not being arrogant or a snob or narrow minded! i think that philosophy entises you to explore so much around you that people wish they can but are too arrogant to admit!

Answer 3

I've known a couple of philosophy majors pretty well, and liked both of them very much. Plus one other who was sort of a strange duck, but I could say the same about other majors, so wouldn't generalize from that. Have met a few others but they were individuals and not particularly different from anyone else, in general. The mention of philosophy majors does remind me of a young TV comedian I once saw on some show who said he majored in philosophy, and added, "Of course, as soon as I graduated, my phone started ringing off the wall with job offers."

Answer 4

I have a B.A. in philosophy. At the time, I enjoyed my philosophy courses. However, there is not much need for a philosopher these days unless you are aiming toward the priesthood (in which philosophy is a requirement), or you wish to enter the teaching profession.

Answer 5

i love philosophy... but all the majors I've met are not all that smart and just play word games. philosophy is only so use full... you need something more substantial to apply philosophy to. if i was going that route.. i would instead major in a science, and minor in philosophy, or double major. but my view is negative... i see scientists as people actually doing something with their intelligence.

Answer 6

As a philosophy major myself, this is something of an interesting question.

A philosopher attempts to understand the world around him as well as his place in it. He defines, describes, ponders, and questions.

All of what we consider today to be "usefull" subjects are derived from calculus. Pythagorous was a philosopher, as was Leibnitz, or Frued. Algebra, Physics, Calculus, Pychology, Biolagy, Astronomy, Ethics, Public Speaking, Logic, Argument. All of them were started by a philosopher asking a question.

P.S. I would be surprised if you could show me an actual Philosophy major who is addicted to drugs. If he is, he isn't very serious about his chosen pursuit.

Answer 7

I got my BA in philosophy back in 1988. I was turning down six figure job offers right and left. (Just kidding!)

Actually philosophy has helped me in many of my careers indirectly. I am able to think outside the box much easier than many people. I think in large part due to my philosophy background.

Philosophy as it is taught in university is like mental push-ups. Pretty much useless in and of itself, but your mind gets sharp and strong for more useful things like computers, law and medicine.

Good luck!

Answer 8

that its a waste of time. Even if you get a degree in it all you can do is teach college. I think philosophy is confusing most of the time. Just a bunch of guys who say things and expect others to prove it. BORING.

Answer 9

I think it must be somewhat silly. Good philosphies do not come from silly talk - it comes from education of many fields.

When one talks silly word games without application to the world around them - that is not practical philosophy.

Answer 10

Don't think I have a stereotypical view of them, at least not the view that is commonly portrayed by movies,etc. They're pretty much like the rest of us, only their job is different.