Overview of Philosophy
Philosophy is an academic discipline and a field of enquiry that seeks to understand the nature of truth, knowledge, existence, morality, and other important questions related to human existence. Philosophy can be divided into four branches: metaphysics (study of reality and the nature of being); epistemology (study of knowledge and belief); ethics (study of value and right conduct); and aesthetics (study of beauty and art). Philosophy also involves a range of other topics, including logic, language, metaphilosophy, and political philosophy.
Career Opportunities Associated With Philosophy
Philosophy majors can pursue a wide range of career paths. Students may use their philosophy background to pursue careers in law, counseling, education, journalism, publishing, government, business, and more. In addition, philosophy majors can use their critical thinking and analytical skills to excel in virtually any profession.
Internship and Co-op Opportunities Related to Philosophy
Philosophy majors can pursue internships and co-ops related to their field of study. Examples include working in law firms, non-profit organizations, counseling centers, hospitals, and educational settings. These experiences provide students with hands-on knowledge of the field and help them develop key skills such as management, communication, and research that will be beneficial to future careers.
Special Tracks or Concentrations Within Philosophy
Many academic programs offer specialized tracks or concentrations related to the field of philosophy. These include areas such as political philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, and logic. Depending on a student’s goals and interests, he or she may select a concentration that focuses on a particular area of philosophy.
How Philosophy Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education
Philosophy provides students with the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for success in graduate school or furthering education. Philosophy majors are also accustomed to engaging in thoughtful debates, researching information from a variety of sources, and communicating complex ideas in an effective and persuasive manner. These skills can be leveraged in other academic disciplines, and may help students strengthen their applications to advanced degree programs.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Philosophy
Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a growing impact on the field of philosophy. AI is influencing how philosophers explore and analyze ideas, with many utilizing AI tools to discover patterns and analyze data. AI is also providing a new platform for philosophical discussion, debate, and analysis. Some philosophers are even exploring ethical implications of utilizing AI and whether its development should be ethically restricted.
The Career Outlook for Philosophy
With a strong background in philosophy, individuals can pursue a wide range of career paths. Strong critical thinking skills are essential for success in any area, and a philosophy degree can be a great advantage in furthering education or obtaining employment. In the legal field, philosophy graduates have the opportunity to pursue positions as paralegals, legal researchers, policy analysts, and more. Philosophers with technical skills can also find attractive career options in the fields of technology or healthcare.
Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Philosophy:
- University of Pennsylvania, Salary: $61,331
- Boston College, Salary: $51,737
- Fordham University, Salary: $41,324
- Chapman University, Salary: $38,923
- Columbia University in the City of New York, Salary: $38,546
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Salary: $38,509
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion, Salary: $36,802
- Arizona State University Digital Immersion, Salary: $36,802
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Salary: $36,290
- University of Washington-Bothell Campus, Salary: $36,290
For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Philosophy.