Why Study Philosophy
The greatest benefit of studying philosophy is the intellectual satisfaction and stimulation that accompany critical reflection on fundamental questions. In this respect, the study of philosophy is its own reward. It provides perhaps the best introduction to the delights of lively discussion and debate. Indeed, in a sense philosophy is unavoidable; life confronts every thoughtful person with some philosophical questions, and nearly everyone is guided in some way by philosophical assumptions, even if these are unarticulated. Philosophical study helps you to articulate your underlying assumptions, reflect on them and then develop them or discard them.
Philosophy develops our capacity to understand and appreciate alternative perspectives on the range of issues it deals with. It encourages the constructive use of the imagination, which directly enriches personal and aesthetic experience. It facilitates the development of a sense of personal responsibility for thought and action. It deepens appreciation of the meaning and variety of human experience, and provides perhaps the best introduction to the uniquely human delights of lively discussion and debate.
Apart from providing intellectual satisfaction and personal development, there are other important reasons for studying philosophy. Obviously, undergraduate (and postgraduate) training in the subject is crucial for those who hope to follow an academic career in philosophical research and teaching. But philosophical education - whether it consists of the elements of an introductory course, or the rigors of postgraduate study - contributes to understanding and develops skills that are directly relevant and transferable to almost every walk of life.
Firstly, philosophy is almost indispensable for comprehensive understanding other disciplines. Some of the most important questions of philosophy are about the status of other disciplines (such as history, mathematics, psychology, or the visual arts) and of the concepts, forms of explanation and modes of evaluation held to be central to them.
Secondly, students develop skills in problem-solving, such as the critical abilities to analyse and disambiguate concepts, definitions and arguments; to organise and extract relevant information from various sources; to distinguish superficial from fundamental similarities; and to appreciate alternative positions and arguments. Because philosophy modules focus upon the clear and systematic expression of ideas, the logical development of arguments, and the careful use of relevant examples and analogies - in both developed discussions and structured written work - such an education contributes significantly to the development of communication skills, persuasive powers and writing abilities. Philosophy graduates are able to address unfamiliar, novel problems. These skills are directly applicable to other intellectual disciplines, professions, and non-academic careers. For this reason philosophy is highly valued by a great many potential employers outside academia. For example, philosophers have been known to find important work in such careers as: law, publishing, journalism, the media, social services, espionage, teaching, computing and systems analysis (see The American Philosophical Association publication: Careers in Philosophy).
* Modified and developed from the Philosophy: A Brief Guide for Undergraduates an American Philosophical Association publication and the City College of New York's departmental handbook.