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Sherlock Holmes Investigates: Philosophy

Photo 6161Investigating the top majors, Sherlock Holmes is on the case. You can profile your picks and review the evidence to find the sure-fire academic answers you've been looking for...

Study Case #10

Philosophy

Faculty:
Arts, Liberal Arts.

Most common associations:
Ancient Greeks and Romans, Religions.

Quick description:
Why do we exist? What is the purpose of life? Is there an afterlife? How do we know we exist? What is true beauty, justice, knowledge, or even truth? If you're spending your time looking for answers to this sort of questions, you're already a philosopher. Study the works of ancient and modern distinguished philosophers and learn different opinions about the fundamental questions of meaning and life.

What your major will do for you:
Many people believe that philosophy is inapplicable to anything. These people are wrong. Studying philosophy, you will discover answers to the underlying principles of religion and science. You will learn how to think, form opinions, and support them. These skills are in demand everywhere. A degree in philosophy will not only help you attempt to solve the mysteries of life and the universe, it will present you with both fascinating questions and deep answers, and at the same time it will open the door for a brighter future.

Careers:
Philosophy can lead you to a wide range of careers. First of all, the abilities you'll develop in thinking about problems and creatively solving them can be highly useful to the business world, so you may want to become involved in business. Philosophy will greatly develop your skills in establishing and presenting opinions, which may be highly useful if you choose to go into communications, journalism, marketing or other writing jobs. You can also end up in public service, politics, or diplomacy. Finally, a popular application of philosophy is law- it's been said that lawyers are really just philosophers of a legal system. Philosophy can lead you in all of these directions.


Philosophy One by adamjinj

Skills:
Successful philosophy graduates come out of school with many skills and lessons learned.
  • Creative Thinking Skills: Philosophy is based upon "thinking outside the box", being presented with new ideas and theories about the meaning of life. Creative thinking skills in philosophical contexts can be extended and used to solve real world problems. This makes for a useful, desirable skill.
  • Communication and Debating Skills: Studying philosophy will force you to develop your ability to find an argument, locate supporting evidence, and convince others of your beliefs. This requires great communication and debating abilities. These skills will be highly useful no matter where you are, since you'll always have to convince others of your opinions.
  • Organization Skills: Philosophy requires great organizational abilities. You'll have to develop a logical, organized pattern of thought in order to understand the various stands and opinions developed by others and still retain and objective mind. These organizations skills will allow you to manage time, money, and your life efficiently and quickly.
  • Critical Analysis: Taking theories, laws and experimental procedures and putting them into real world concepts. This means having the whole picture when coming to a decision. You will be able to incorporate so many aspects of thought into everyday life and that's a skill in itself.
  • Flexibility: Learning a variety of theories concerning the same subjects and a lot of material about almost all of aspects of life will make you a highly flexible individual. You will learn that when it comes to philosophical thoughts, you always have to keep questioning what you know and keep an open mind. Maintaining a flexible pattern of thought will be very attractive to potential employers.

Thinking Big by taufiq

How to Prepare:
Coming out of high school and not sure how to start your philosophy career? You can start by taking some useful courses- philosophy, world religions, political science, English, communications, etc. And don't be scared of the maths and sciences, this will help develop your logical, organized state of mind.

Many philosophy students benefit from participating in extra curricular activities that demonstrate things like communication and leadership skills. To expand your philosophical activities, you can join your school's philosophy or religious tolerance club, participate in public political demonstrations and volunteer in religious settings you support.

If you're thinking of doing a Master's Degree, you will first need to most likely have an undergraduate degree, and the desire to learn a lot more philosophies and get closer to finding the meaning of life.

Philosophy Majors? It's elementary, my dear Watson. Till next time!



References

WorldWideLearn. "Science Major". Last Updated on October 17th, 2007. Accessed on August 1st, 2008. WorldWideLearn.com

Sherlock Holmes. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/cinema/features/photogallery/holmes_photogallery1.shtml>

Sherlock Holmes, <http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2007/03/16/sherlock-holmes-edgy.jpg>
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