Why Choose Philosophy?
Why a Philosophy Major or Minor is a Practical Choice
1. Philosophy majors do better on standardized tests than almost any other major. Philosophy majors outperform Business Administration and Management majors on the GMAT. Philosophy majors outperform English majors on the verbal (and quantitative) section of the GRE.
2. A philosophy major provides one with enormous flexibility on the job market. Philosophy majors have gone on to be successful in government, religion, law, education, entertainment, journalism, medicine, and even the military.
3. Philosophy majors develop excellent skills of engaged reading, effective writing, critical thinking, and meaningful conversation. Such skills are essential in any professional setting, and probably more useful than anything else for professional advancement.
4. Given the fluid nature of the contemporary marketplace, preparing for a successful business career relies less on learning specific facts than ever before. Those facts will become obsolete. It is more important to learn how to learn, to integrate new knowledge, to acquire unique insights, and to master new technical vocabularies. There is no better material from which one can learn to learn than the great works from the history of philosophy.
5. As a minor or second major, Philosophy will teach you to think more deeply about your primary area of study. After all, Philosophy includes such sub-disciplines as Philosophy of Psychology, Business Ethics, Bio-Medical Ethics, Political Philosophy, and Philosophy of Religion.
6. Though increasing in popularity, a Philosophy major or minor is still relatively uncommon. Increasingly, prospective employers are increasingly aware of the above information. Your philosophy credentials might make your resume stand out among the crowd.