Just curious...how many people reading this are academically trained in or have formally studied philosophy (i.e., took classes or majored in philosophy in college)? Of those people, how far did you get with your studies (major/minor, BA, MA, PhD) and at which schools?
And how many people reading this are self-taught or just interested in philosophical questions? Of those people, if you went to college, what did you study if not philosophy? If you plan to go to college, what's your expected major?
I'm just trying to get a sense of the demographics on this Y! Answers question board...
2007-04-07 17:18:10 · 20 answers · asked by no_good_names_left_17 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
i am self taught. my interest in philosophy came after i left college. upon leaving school i realized that i really had not learned anything about how to live so i turned to philosophy.
college seems to have been a waste of time. my greatest education has come the years following school. through philosophy i have learned much more practical knowledge and most important i have learned more about myself.
am i a philosopher? some of my acquaintances have referred to me as one however. i would describe myself as a devoted yet imperfect practitioner of other men's thoughts.
2007-04-07 17:40:30 · answer #1 · answered by "GoSANE" 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I took five philosophy classes at a community college, but do not yet have a degree. I study philosophy because I am interested in the "problems of philosophy" and the answers to those questions from philosophers from throughout the time and places. I also learn philosophy on my own through reading philosophical works, pondering on many questions, and discussing related issues.
2007-04-07 21:52:34 · answer #2 · answered by Esse Est Percipi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm currently a college student majoring in both Theology and Philosophy. I'd like to think that I have a pretty good understanding of what I have read, although I haven't even scratched the surface of the plentiful philosophic texts throughout the ages.
I'd consider myself a philosopher, not in the pompous pseudo-intellectual, drinking my overpriced mocha-raspberry latte, as I ponder the shallow reality of my existence, but in a genuine inquisitive manner. I do not need to be in a social group to philosophize, I think constantly, especially as I do the most mundane things, in the shower, the bathroom, walking from classes.
-Kerplunk!
2007-04-07 17:50:33 · answer #3 · answered by Kerplunk! 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Majored in Political Science and Philosophy.
2007-04-07 19:52:32 · answer #4 · answered by Goldmund 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Philosophy and Philosophy of Comparative religions studies at Ohio State.
The only other things I've ever needed were common sense and a critical-thinking mindset.
2007-04-07 19:20:52 · answer #5 · answered by Lone Gunman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a philosopher who is self-taught and interested in philosophical questions. Being in college or trained to be a philosopher in college, doesn't really make you a philosopher. Philosophy began in Africa and in Egypt - The word Philo means to love and the word sophia meant to be wise and put them together and you'll have "love to be wise", pharohs and other people went to Egypt's philosophy schools to become philosophers. A philosopher nowadays is just that - a person who studies and becomes wise.
2007-04-07 18:23:01 · answer #6 · answered by Dimples 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm in college now, majoring in philosophy. I've taken 10 philosophy classes so far, and I'm planning on pursuing a PhD in philosophy after I get my bachelor's degree. I'm actually working on a writing sample for my grad school applications right now.
2007-04-07 22:22:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My bachelor degree is in Psychology but I took some Philosophy courses. Philosophy is the mother of Psychology.
I had an most excellent Philosophy Professor who taught Philosophy as the Greeks esteemed it: as the love of knowledge. He had the rare ability to translate philosophy in day to day living and how to truly live a great life.
I use lots of his concepts with my clients today. I can honestly say he changed my life.
2007-04-07 18:18:17 · answer #8 · answered by hunter621 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a mathmetician and physics major by formal training (PhD), which is pretty much hand-in-hand with many "classical" philosophers. I've read most philosophers extensively, as well as studied most religions both formally and informally. In addition to the "classic" philosophers, I've tried to read and objectively understand eclectic "grass root" philosophers/observers such as Ghandi, Mark Twain, the American founding fathers, Ho Chi Min, Will Rogers, Carlos Casteneda, and Shakespeare, to name a few. I also dabble in history, with particular interest in pre-columbian American history and philosophy. Admittedly, I shy away from the "hard core" philosophers who have tendencies to categorize their findings or name their "schools" of discipline. I've found that this leads to myopic vision, and encumbers the open mind.
I don't yet give myself the title of "philosopher". So far, the boldest title I'd allow myself is "observer".
2007-04-07 17:45:25 · answer #9 · answered by freebird 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am self taught, though I believe everyone is. you do not have to have a piece of paper saying that you are a philosopher, to be one. Philosophy is the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct.
I am in college now majoring in English but I have considered myself a philosopher since my senior year in high school.
2007-04-07 17:48:29 · answer #10 · answered by ithek_thundervoice 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋