Being a Female Philosophy Student

[@Ancor3]

Indeed, YT already has way too many attractive female vloggers, but how many of them talk about philosophy? I think I can live with this.

[@kurohikes5857]

Philosophy is the most important thing one can study. Without philosophy we would still be eating insects and rolling naked in the dirt. Most people tend to think philosophy is a waste of time because philosophy is lost on most people. Philosophy is too complicated for the masses which is why religion (opiate of the masses) has been so popular. It is philosophy that guides how we live, use science and gives us a means to express our ideas about reality. I would not want to live in a world without philosophy. All of us who are able to pick up a book written by a philosopher, read it and understand it, have a tremendous gift.

[@crisprates1975]

I am glad to agree.

[@johnlefferts8768]

John Dow Are you a marxist?

[@kurohikes5857]

John Lefferts I am a syndicalist.

[@rasmusn.e.m1064]

John Dow I do agree that philosophy is pretty freaking great and very useful for a great deal more than it's given credit for, but I do also curiously question what is wrong with eating insects and rolling naked in the mud :)

[@kurohikes5857]

Ranâ Onety lol, well it all depends who you are rolling with. ;-)

[@MatthiasPendragon]

Most vloggers I know of don't talk about anything of interest anymore, so I'm excited to see you vlogging about philosophy. Looking forward to the videos!

[@philippj5711]

I like the idea of reclaiming philosophy's place in everyday life. Which is probably part of why I'm subscribed to this channel. Definitely looking forward to more of these videos.

[@Philosophase]

Couldn't agree more.

[@zorkc495]

I really like the idea of following a philosophy student through her first year keep it up school of life

[@Splurgendii]

This is awesome. Philosophy is worth while and its great you're going for it! More power to you!

[@AzaJabar]

I think I have a problem with the phrase "People think" I think it is not true, people don't think people just say stuff, you spend you whole life chasing money and they will tell you there is more to life than money and if you chase your life seeking knowledge or a hobby or travel they will tell you that you are wasting your time, best part is they can say whatever they want it is up to you to stop, PS awesome vlog, awesome channel and you look like a wonderful person

[@AzaJabar]

***** you people are so nice I just want to get you something, coffee? tea? anything?

[@AzaJabar]

***** if I ever come to london it will be my pleasure

[@AzaJabar]

***** the more the merrier

[@daedra40]

Aza Jabar And we get merrier as there are more of us!

[@MrCrespelle]

daedra40 I'll join. Is there space for an italian student of philosophy? :D

[@zachmieszala852]

the vulnerability in this episode is absolutely beautiful. it's so honest, it's hard not to fall totally head over heals.

[@bolivar1789]

Nice to meet you Emma! Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge and your experiences with us. You are a very good teacher! I am looking forward to watch your upcoming lessons:-)

[@bolivar1789]

***** Oh thank you!!

[@CarlosPerez-qm1zo]

Honestly, this is just the video i needed to see. I am going through an identical situation in my life just like Em. This has brought such a joy to my heart. Doubts have crept through my mind as of late, studying philosophy is quite a risky thing; however, when you are passionate about learning about life, all the fears deteriorate. Thank you for this video. I will be tuned in for the next video.

[@Aramata144]

Hi Em! It's nice to meet you here. I am an avid watcher of the School of Life channel, nineteen, studying something along the lines of business and politics. I am glad that you are making these vlogs (and I am even happier that Alain has included you in this channel) because I think it's important that young girls (like me) are able to identify with philosophy, without thinking "oh it's just another men's game". I am looking forward to watching more of your videos! - Hi from Copenhagen

[@jusk2ru]

Philosophy is like the harmony of thoughts. I'd love to always think in beautiful philosophical ideas that make sense, but I think in chaotic abstracts that don't.

[@minacheron4748]

This is a great idea; very refreshing to hear an articulate, younger female talking about philosophy. I look forward to hearing your insights!

[@jaynutter85]

Keep feeding those flames of passion Em! Glad to see you doing what you love

[@CrabMusicCrabMusic]

i was a philosophy major and got sick of people saying it's a joke and that it wont pay the bills, so i switch to a music major...that showed them

[@Napoleon4778]

+yashamaruism Did the right thing.

[@KrappyKite]

Hi M, You are brave to be so open about your studies, family and the biases people might have against you studying philosophy. I know partly what you are talking about through my own experience. But I can tell you: It was well worth to go through with it. I wish you success in that and I am curious about your next video. I'll follow that. Thanks! G

[@mayankaswani5760]

Philosophy might not help you land a great job but it helps you survive a myriad of pressures that come along with other subjects and jobs. It's definitely very helpful. Keep up the good job

[@ThePeaceableKingdom]

"to say that the time appropriate to consider philosophy has not yet come, or that it is passed and gone, is like saying that the time appropriate for happiness is not yet come, or that it is now gone for ever" - Epíkouros ... from a greybeard in sandals

[@hcvenceslau2]

Nice video, i've been thinking about studying philosophy in college for some years now and maybe next year i will finally do it.The image people have of philosophy students always helped making me give up on "officially" studying it. Really interested in what you will share about your course on the next videos. Wasn't expecting this kind of content in this channel, but i think i like it. Keep it up please

[@ArnoldWatson]

I am quite intrigued to learn right along with you, Em!

[@amix8857]

Just visited the shop today in London. I'm from the United States, Boulder, Colorado, to be precise, but I've identified greatly with everything you've said. Myself, also a Philosophy major at University, I can sympathize with your qualms in studying philosophy. I've been following the SOL for a while now and its been a positive reinforcement for my studies. Philosophy is great! I find more of myself each day. Love your vlogs by the way! Keep them posting :)

[@onepositivechannelbymagdal959]

So great! Can't wait to learn more about philosophy from you. It's one of my passions, even though I'm learning about it in my free time mainly. I actually study something near economics which is as I found very close to philosophy. I agree with you - if you're passionate about something, you will find a way to make it work for you :)

[@HAN2929]

Guys in Sandals; Female in Philosophy. I get what you are trying to say there. Are you going to talk more about your experience of studying philosophy as a female or just a student in general?

[@sofiam5309]

Looking forward to more videos from Em :) You go girl!

[@ximecreature]

I didn't know that there was few girls in Philosophy - that's a shame, if it's because they don't dare because of general opinion or something. Hi to Emma, I hope her exams work out fine. You're not in the kind of channel - I think - which get misogynous viewers. So I'm sure that everyone agrees that we're looking forward to know your opinion about things. hi from belgium!

[@ximecreature]

***** Internet can be a wicked place :D

[@sukhumskie]

It's already not expectable, once you know meaning of philosophy one will understand it has nothing to do with gander woman or man, )but how big their intellect to understand nature, mind and ext) the way they are

[@vaipesz]

PositiveANegative I got used to think that there were a lot of women in Philosophy. For instance, here in Portugal, it's close to 50/50.

[@Subcomfreak1]

***** In America it is more like 70/30... on a good day

[@madeoffireworks]

PositiveANegative as a fellow belgian with a degree in philosophy I can tell you that in our country the male/female ratio is also a bit more balanced. I think in a class of around 30 students at least 10 were women.

[@yumipark1942]

I'm turning 20 this week and I'm studying philosophy in the US. I'm really looking forward to your vlogs!

[@binhuikwon1459]

What you're doing is fantastic, and I wish you the best! I'm starting college this fall, and I'll also be majoring in philosophy, and personally, I get a kick out of telling people what I'm majoring in. Perhaps that's reflective of pretentiousness, but in any case, I think philosophy is a worthy pursuit that most everyone with some curiosity about life and how to live should undertake in some measure, although I'm sure that's up for philosophical debate. It certainly takes a lot of guts to take out a loan for a college degree in philosophy, but who knows -- the leap of faith might just pay off, and your experience of life may be vastly richer, and I sincerely hope it is. (Also, if Alain reads these comments: I thoroughly enjoyed your introduction to The Essential Plato, especially your tongue-in-cheek response to Aristophanes' Clouds!)

[@matheusdiesel2303]

Im in love, despite it´s just an ilusion

[@PanamaSabroso]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!

[@henriquemarinho9324]

Welcome to the club! haha

[@alandatheriault8240]

I am quite excited for you Em. As a woman who also studied philosophy in university I can say without hesitation that I do not regret a single moment of my time spent exploring the 'life of the mind'. It is challenging, rigorous, and deeply rewarding. It is an affair that appreciates with time and attention, and for me at least, has yet to fail in continuing to inspire me to think more broadly and critically. Philosophy has a skill set that is also incredibly practical, versatile, and a rich consolation to life's ups and downs. I look forward to seeing more of your vlogs and wish you lots of success in your studies.

[@michaelpinder8991]

"If you’re passionate about something…just go for it". So true, Emma. Have fun with your ‘world of philosophy'

[@NoName-wp5sn]

People are also very ignorant towards mathematics.

[@Rynewulf]

Another Philosophy student here. Starting my first year of Uni this September :D Always glad to hear the point of view of another person who is also passionate about Philosophy :) I think people tend to dismiss Philosophy because it's not considered very practical (even though a lot of it is potentially very practical in advice in dealing with living) and isn't obviously money oriented. Right now society seems to be money focused so tends to ignore or look down on many things that aren't a clear step in the direction of gaining large amounts of money. I previously was looking into studying Archaeology and received just as many questions as to what I would do with that as I do with studying Philosophy and I know people who have gone into studying Acting or trying to become Artists who all get questioned on 'How will that get you a job?' I know other people looking into Accounting or Medicine who don't get those sort of questions because those are seen as a clear cut way into a career, despite the massive variety of options you have when going into those fields that could take you from any kind of specialist doctor or surgeon or financial consultant or type of accountant. It doesn't seem to be what you want to do with your life that seems to be important to people, rather that you want to do something that they can easily understand as you getting a long term job in the near future.

[@Rynewulf]

***** I think most people in the end do want to try pursue what they think of as a good life and encourage people to do good things and treat things more humanely, but accidentally and perhaps unwittingly encourage and play along with some of the problems we have (like the overbearing focus on money) in an attempt to encourage good living. It wouldn't surprise me if many people who ask the 'job' question to those studying non-career subjects in education do so out of a sense of concern, thinking something on the lines of 'But how will you live your life if you don't use your time to gain the money you need to do things? Are you sure this won't affect the quality of your life?' But then again there are sadly always those who snobbishly reject out of hand anything they consider obviously illogical, rather than simply rejecting things which after consideration of the particular thing at hand they find to be lacking. Of course it would be a lot to expect that we consider everything we come across, but I think it is better to at least to attempt to hear out something you disagree with from time to time to test whether you are being reasonable in disregarding it.

[@alexc2265]

I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiments on philosophy and how people perceive it. People often see it as a waste of time, yet they squander countless hours and philosophy is perhaps THE most important thing to study. As Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living."

[@whatabouttheearth]

Em was the best thing on this channel, she should have her own You Tube page.

[@amanr6346]

An insightful young woman who I wish the very best in her life. The essence of her message should permeate widely and that is philosophy is about enquiry and the question of “why” our world needs us all to think like this more! 😀

[@Kasperloeye]

I fail to see what's weird about her studying philosophy?.. anyone care to explain?..

[@Kasperloeye]

***** ..and that makes it weird?

[@Kasperloeye]

***** Right then - Anyway, good luck with the Vlogs!

[@thanasdjango4394]

***** Whether or not it's dominated by men, I think that the average Joe is more concerned that unless she pursues a PhD and stays within the confines of university education she's not really going to find employment anywhere else.

[@TheDistractedFilms]

+Kasper Selvejer I get the same question asked of "Why do you study philosophy?" I just kinda answered, "So I can open the closed minds of those who see the world in rose-coloured glasses"

[@diadu6]

I just keep loving school of life more and more with each video.

[@havenbastion]

One of the biggest problems i've found is that in every other sphere of expertise people wouldn't dare to question the experts, but in philosophy everyone things their opinion must be equal to yours no matter how much you know and how little they do.

[@DaniFromnStyle]

Hello There Its nice to hear your point of view in regards of the common view on philosophy. I'm also 20 years old, living in switzerland and i ve been studying philosophy in a sort of self study myself and it really changed my life to the better, also i got the impression that most people affectionately talk about philosophy. In any case. Great video big up

[@ottomuehlbauer5093]

I am exuberant! It is a great idea to bring a vlog niche to this channel. Em seems particularly interesting as she is highly relatable. My bias would assume that this channel's viewership is predominantly young college students. The future of The School of Life is as bright as all the lovely folks working to make it happen.

[@ottomuehlbauer5093]

***** my two cents; all of us viewers are essentially in a large classroom togrther. Please facilitate discussion by building a forum, perhaps on Reddit. I understand that the whole idea of comments on here is to discuss, but myself and many others have a poor perception of the comment section on this site, regardless of content. In addition, the functionality of the KZbin comment section is subpar and a drag to use. What is Alain up to? He is so shy... Would he consider taking an hour or two out of each month to host a live stream in which he mingles with fans and takes questions? I know at least one of you staffers is a Nerdfighter. Enlighten Alain on the Vlogbrothers and their successful community building and activism (check out Project For Awesome). I can't be the only viewer who yearns to be a part of a community of like minded individuals.

[@vitorpera5853]

Thank you, Emm! Looking forward to the next talks.

[@Lozzadrew]

You are awesome. Kudos. I'm from Chelmsford too so it's great to see/hear that philosophy is still taking root from that same stock.

[@evolve5659]

This is the sexiest thing online

[@docb1534]

I just got into philosophy, I'm planning on majoring in psychology( I'm 16 right now) but philosophy is really interesting and I'm interested in learning a few things from your videos.

[@iebpk]

Good job Emma for making your first vlog. I'm an engineering student at Imperial College. I'm surprised that we have more girls in our classes than in yours! Keep up the good work. Looking forward to your future videos.

[@MagnusMercury]

While I completely agree that philosophy is a subject worthy of study and thought, I question the wisdom of paying no small amount of money for a philosophy degree. In that light, I think it's entirely reasonable to ask what one hopes to gain from it. I've always thought of philosophy as a hobby or personal interest, rather than a "career". For those seeking a college degree in philosophy, what do you seek to get out of it? Would you be better served by getting a degree in a field with better job prospects and simply studying philosophy on your own?

[@MrCrespelle]

Magnus Mercury Simple answer: life is one, why should you do something you love just as a hobby instead of make it your full time occupation? If you work 8 hours a day, do you think you will be able to study philosophy as much as you want? Noone has ever done anything good by giving up his or her passions. Plus in these times the matter of money does not hold anymore. In Italy university costs less but still, when I started philosophy 5 years ago there were many people asking "why", "what are you going to do" and the usual stuff. Now I know people with a degree in Architecture or Economics who are struggling to find a job way more than I am. That said, personally I'll never understand the university system in countries as UK, USA or Australia. You pay too much money. It's not about just philosophy. 9k per year is way too much for every degree. And well, on this matter I recommend the view of "Ivory Tower", a 2014 documentary. Cheers.

[@MrCrespelle]

Joe Thomas A degree in philosophy does not just teach you "things" others said. But even if it would, thinking and reflecting about what great thinkers said, helps you to think. That's the beauty of philosophy. You understand how ideas born, how they evolve and how they are replaced by others and not just that. And if I must say, I often hope that studying philosophy would help people more to keep silent than "coming up with their own ideas".The "coming up with your ideas" is almost always something the world does not need.

[@MagnusMercury]

MrCrespelle I'm a little confused by your statement; you say that money doesn't matter as much, but then turn around and agree that university costs too much. I'm not saying one shouldn't follow their passion; rather, I'm asking if it is worth paying a substantial amount of money for a diploma. If you are making an investment in college, then you would probably like that investment to pay off at some point. And the question remains of what opportunities become available with a Philosophy degree that make it worth pursuing, regardless of the job market for other degrees.

[@MrCrespelle]

Magnus Mercury Of course money matters. What I wanted to say with that is that university costs too much in general, for any kind of diploma. But I think who chooses philosophy does not really care much about that. He does not care much about future opportunities either (at least for the first years), for the simple reason that he thinks about the concept of investment in a different, not-economic way. Therefore, in a way, he is investing way more than others are. What are his choices anyway? That is what he wants to study and if he wants to do it at a certain level, he'll have to go through university at some point. There are opportunities anyway, more than people think. I've costantly worked during the 5 years degree as a translator and writer and I still am. I studied english and german in order to have something more to "spend" in the job world which is also something useful in my field of study...and I see the benefits. Right now I'm applying for phds. What are you studying Magnus? What were your thoughts before applying?

[@MagnusMercury]

Andrew Esquibel Thanks; that's a very valid point on studying philosophy in a group as opposed to solo. I think that ties in to the benefits of networking at college, as well. Though I still wonder about the career prospects with a degree in philosophy. And I'm not disparaging it when I say that; I'm genuinely unaware of what particular benefit that degree grants over another area of study (unless you're teaching Philosophy, of course).

[@NeonAtary777]

I am happy that you decided to make a vlog

[@onemadhungrynomad]

its great that you love philosophy so much. you just keep making videos and i will keep watching them.

[@majdrup]

As a philosophy student myself, I find it interesting to get another perspective on studying philosophy. Looking forward to see more.

[@tdmoor]

Lovely vlog, Em! Looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts. If ever you wish to grab a coffee somewhere in London, let me know. I live here, too.

[@errorinscript1127]

Philosophy is awsome , my whole life it's been an interest of mine. Thinking about the important things in life rather than seeing people talk about eg clothes or matirialism. I am glad you created this vlog this is great, much respect!

[@XerosXIII]

have interest in learning philosophy but lack the passion or habit of reading, really jealous!

[@ExtremeBogom]

XerosXIII Hi there Xeros. Could I recommend what I think is a really good introductory book of philosophy? If you're interested it's "A Little History of Philosophy" by Nigel Warburton. I recommend it because it gives you a taste of all the most well known philosophers over the years and what they were about, and how influential they have been to others; much like these little videos actually. Each philosopher gets only a few pages, but Nigel is great at packing a lot of information into that space without bombarding you with anything heavy. Although I had already read some other philosophy books before that; it was that book that really piqued my interest in philosophy the most. It's a fairly small book too so it doesn't take long to read it. Anyway just a suggestion :).

[@XerosXIII]

***** woot thanks! I actually picked up a few like Confucius, Schopenhauer, 'philosophy in a week', progress... is slow lol Definitely will try it out :D

[@vaibhavgupta20]

And not mention it's always written in very tough language.

[@XerosXIII]

WisdomFall yea, read a few essay of his, pretty depressing, hatta consume some chocolate bars to regain happiness after :P

[@XerosXIII]

WisdomFall *munch on choc*

[@DarkarCrooks]

Well Emma, I'm glad you joined the channel, I'm also new to it haha you seem like a nice gal and I think you might be interesting enough for me to listen to while I do my homework and it's too bad you're in London cause I'd love to show you my University here in Puerto Rico, anyway welcome to KZbin I hope it goes well for you here, shout out from Puerto Rico :)

[@TRANSANDOIDEIAS]

I love Philosophy, and during my life I’ve known how difficult is to most of people to understand philosophical terms. However, What, nowadays, can help me is to notice that everybody use philosophy everyday. What I mean; I divide the use of philosophy in 3 reigns 1- Reign of survival 2- Reign of liberty or awareness 3- Reign of contemplation majority of people uses philosophy in reign of survival. Naturally they are worried about living their life by trying to get more professional knowledge in order to get money and ordinary food. If we ask these people: Do you love your survival knowledge which helps you keep surviving? I believe a normal person would answer at least I like it. Obviously this kind of behavior is next to animal life, and these people can be considered too limited, but it is a choice can be changed in the future,Nevetheless we couldn't deny this kind of choice has such importance ‘cause a spider loves the knowledge of making its net if it could understand what is “PHILIA”. Some people have ability to go further so they like speculating a little about the reason of life, so these ones are in reign of awareness. Others ones adore contemplating these mental moving. Consequently, I believe the secret is to inform people remarkable idea: there are levels of loving Sophia, but I would insist everybody can be connected to some level. thanks a lot! Congratulations

[@nikolausschneider6382]

That's wonderful! Simply wonderful: )

[@TheCyclingCardio]

No more post from her in ghe channel?I’m glad to found such an adorable woman could be a deep thinker as well

[@steveschramko2386]

Good for you ! I studied philosophy for many years at university and taught it for a while as well. It won't make you rich, but it may prevent you from becoming another mindless automaton like so many others of your generation. It may just save you from narrow minded anonymity and ennoble your life with great thoughts as you stroll for a time with Socrates the colonades of Olympus .

[@AprilleShepherd]

Thanks Em.... Well done. Looking forward to hearing more from you. Kisses from Toronto!

[@marko.rankovic]

She's my age and I have to express how surprised I am that people who have lived as long as me could get so clever as much as also being stupid. She's one of the clever just to be clear. I personally think that this one big problem as somebody who doesn't study or even knows as much philosophy that when you ask yourself questions such as why am I living and why am I even doing anything at all? What's good? What's bad? etc is the same problem as trying to understand a system from the inside. We're humans alone questioning our own existence and we can't get any clear answers because in order to do so we need something that is not us to fully understand and explain. If you look for instance at a chain and gears, we are the gears and we are turning, but we have no idea of our purpose to turn as we don't know the other side of the chain.

[@havenbastion]

I learned very early not to care what people think about me, so for me philosophy is a very inward pursuit.. and yet it encompasses the universe.

[@AngSupling]

Am I the only one here that thinks that she is one of the most beautiful (and obviously intelligent) ladies here on KZbin?

[@voirbvx1968]

+Prins Aleta Not the only one ;)

[@jaihol]

Thank you, I'm new to Philosophy so just starting out to learn more about self and the world I once had trouble living in.

[@arohawkno1]

Have fun with all the concepts you will come across. I do hope there is something new under the sun. The world today needs to not only re examine philosophy in history but we must create something new, and apply it. I would like to see a place set up where common citizens of London can debate philosophical ideas, and create analogies such as Plato's allegory of the cave.

[@undead797]

I used to want to get a degree in philosophy before I decided I was gonna work with computers, it just doesn't seem like a practical way for me to make a living off of ideas but I would never scoff at someone studying philosophy, I think it's a very romantic kind of study. Just hearing about other peoples philosophical views makes me happy, it's kind of a refreshing feeling. Anyways, Best of luck to you and may your life be filled with endless pleasures trying to find and solve the problems of the world!

[@emperorjustinianIII4403]

I like this initiative, it's excellent. Good luck making more video's!

[@paulkerridge6001]

Wonderfull stuff Em. Well done. Please do more. Your a very good speaker because you are real. People gravitate to real stuff, which will let the cream (you) rise and bring everything with it.

[@bajolunapod]

Idk why youtube is recommending me origin videos of this world changing channel but I love it.

[@harrisonthompsonabdullah4877]

Studying & learning about philosophy augmented your knowledge about reality, existence, creation, truth, pragmatism, rationalism, humanism, stoicism even about god,, & most important about ethical moral values.. Philosophy is incredibly beautiful and amazing discipline to study, one who learns it able to have one's love & hunger for truth knowledge increases by 99.9percent...

[@Dom28inik]

I'm looking forward to future videos! :)

[@ThisIsOfficialJINX]

Good luck Em :D vlogs and getting yourself out there is hard, especially while at uni and making your subject philosophy. GOOD LUCKKKKK!!! :P

[@ThisIsOfficialJINX]

Well I look forward to the experience :)

[@RakidulAlam]

my friends calls me a philosopher and a tree cause i always look at things as an observer and try to decompose it. they call me awkward but to me introvertism is the greatest gift that god has given me.

[@PetroleumPelle]

Hi Em, I'm looking forward to your video's. Last year I fell in love with political philosophy as I study international public management (yes it can be as boring as it sounds). So currently I'm studying philosophy on my own by watching the school of life, read as many philosophical novels as I can find and try to visit as many events as possible. I'm looking forward to your upcoming video's and how you experience studying philosophy 'for real', instead merely of reading Nietzsche in your small student apartment as I am. Best of luck from The Netherlands, P

[@PetroleumPelle]

***** This might sound odd, but you responding sort of gave me some new extra motivation to keep dong what I'm doing. Sometimes I just feel alone in my own little world, which I like in a way, but to be assured that there are people who are like minded and acknowledge me being a part of this community really touches me :)

[@Bielenn]

Hi Em! Nice to see new person, with which I have something in common, on my favourite youtube channel. I'm also first year philosophy student, so.. well met!

[@Bielenn]

***** Really? You replied to my comment in 11 seconds? Intriguing!

[@anonym1066]

I'm going to study phlosophy too this fall, in Bielefeld, Germany. Fortunately it doesn't really cost that much (only about 550€/year I guess) and the course is beautifully designed, with many possibilities to individualize it. The University is pretty modern, too. I hope there'll be more than two girls though, would appreciate that since all classes I ever visited before had a huge male majority. Anyway, I'm really looking forward to it!

[@anonym1066]

***** Yeah I'm pretty happy with the German system. Best thing is, I still get some kind of monthly student support based on my parents' income, but I only have to pay half of it back. Now I didn't know that tutition fees were a big deal in UK, I only heard the horror stories about funds for private colleges in America. Is it a private institution you're visiting? And does your government offer any type of student support?

[@anabulatovic7306]

Just wanted to say hi and send some support. I'm doing a MA in Philosophy of Law at my Law school and I work for a judge. It has proven to be the most practical (practical!) master I could have chosen, although I had no idea it would be. It's also truly fascinating and mind opening. And yes, people get shocked.. Both by the concept of choosing philosophy, and by the fact that I'm female. I still don't quite get the gender issue, but since a huge majority react that way, there obviously is something there.

[@infjelphabasupporter8416]

The fact that there are so many men in the comments commenting on her appearance proved her point. Sad.

[@heyassmanx]

Not too take away from those studying philosophy or to overgeneralize, but imho the most profound philosophers are consistently those who never take part in academic philosophy per se - the logical positivists n linguistic philosophers being a prime example of the rigidity academic philosophy can instill in one's thinking. A lot of times it can be more so a proselytizing of would-be free thinkers to the current zeitgeist than creating free thinking truth seekers. I like Schopenhauer's take on academics such as Hegel and others, and believe the test of time corroborates. But based on personal experience, it's always the philosophy students who get caught up on verbose terminology and current paradigms, often missing the bigger holistic picture, just my opinion.

[@IceToTheThird]

It's funny about the gender disparity. I'm doing literature myself and find that there are perhaps 10 women for every man in my courses. I guess all the guys are doing supposedly more lucrative things to ensure support for their future families, but who can say? Best of luck Em. I admire your decision. It's a bold one.

[@MatthiasPendragon]

Ice To The Third I'd like to see some overall numbers on this subject if there were any way to get a large enough sample size. I've noticed a trend of female book vloggers and that books are often advertized toward women. I'm curious if that's based on any actual data or just the conception that women tend to read more than men these days.

[@IceToTheThird]

Pendragon I'm part of a "writing fellows" organization at my university and I happen to have a small sample size that might be interesting. There were 90 applicants for the program. 82 of those were women, and 8 were men. To apply you had to be nominated by a professor for having a good grasp of the language, etc. At the induction ceremony, there were 25 women and 2 men. There have been similar ratios in most of my classes. I can't explain it beyond what my previous post prodded - that men are after something more lucrative.

[@MatthiasPendragon]

Ice To The Third Interesting indeed. I'd guess a lot of it has to do with the social pressure for a man to go on and make a lot of money, whereas women don't seem to have the same expectation, allowing them to feel more comfortable going into something that isn't going to make them a CEO. Or maybe women tend to be more literary minded then men. Interesting either way.

[@area52consultants20]

Thanks EM...I'm also trying to bring in Phylosophy in to our lives again!

[@TheMightybraa]

What you said about how people see no practical use for philosophy reminds me of my father who doesn't really see the point in humanities/creative endeavors collectively. Sees them juvenile or trivial. He's a television man and the ultimate square. I'm glad you escaped Chelmsford, good for you.

[@rehmsmeyer]

I think philosophy is the key to being "successful" in life. One must know what success means to him/her first, and to do that one must know oneself very well; philosophy is a great tool to achieve this. My only regret is waiting 27 years to start. But as they say - *_better late than never_*.

[@serial5486]

The main problem with going into philosophy straight out is the fact that it has a low return. That's why most people get a giggle out of it, mostly due to the fact that it is extremely money consuming and has no ability aside from published works to earn money standing on its own. Hence why it's more commonly something taken later in life or if one has a stable career to rely on.

[@LFLvideos]

First thoughts when I saw her were: Philosophy, 20, female, london, sexy, nice and smart... damn I hope I get to bump into her. Outside of this she seems like a proper girl ready for a down to earth philosophy vlog! I wish her all the best.

[@KingKilla7245]

I'm a first year philosophy major too. I always get weird looks when I tell people I'm a philosophy major and they act surprised and ask "what are you going to do with that degree?" And so forth.

[@RakidulAlam]

perusing science has made our individual life easier but philosophy can make our humanity better and social life easier.

[@Rog5446]

You're quite right Em, people do think Philosophy is a waste of time, because everyone knows the answer to life the universe and everything is 42. No seriously, people who know nothing about the subject will always think that philosophy is about searching for answers, when in fact it's about raising questions. Although those questions may never be correctly answered, they should provoke deep thought (pun intended) Keep up those studies and confound your parents with some awesome questions.

[@shdba]

I studied philosophy at uni as a natural extension of my personality, word of advice: you can study it on your own especially in the west where you take huge amounts of money for university and also philisophy is half wasted if you dont do anything else beside it. In a normal world philosophy would be studied along side everything especially physical exercise.

[@angusgillies6137]

A suggestion for improvement would be better audio, surely TSOL has a spare mic to loan?

[@anonamos225]

Does the world really need another vlogger? Vlogs to me are like listening to a friend talk about their day. It's insight into someone else's life and exposure to thinks I wouldn't be able to expose myself to otherwise. I'm not going to university to study philosophy. I don't have a friend who is going to university to study philosophy. I don't know what it's like and I don't know how people respond to it. But what if I want to know? Then someone somewhere decides to turn on a camera and share their experiences and now I know something I didn't. My answer is yes.

[@Arclibs]

What do guys in sandals have to do with this video? Could've used a [VLOG] tag or something instead I guess. Expected this to be a different video :P

[@piersonjeanmarc]

Have you got an independent channel or playlist we can subscribe to?

[@CWSFDavid]

People have a weird idea of what is useful and what is not. As an engineering student, I have to say the one philosophy course I have taken (logic) has been the one of the most useful!

[@oztayloor]

Chelmsford is relevant for once! Nice to see a vlogger from Chelmsford!

[@rachellowe8881]

I am fascinated by philosophy, I always have been, and part of me really wants to study philosophy in a professional setting, but the other part of me is scared that I would loose interest if I felt obligated to do it. My attention tends to flick quickly.

[@transientwayfarer4472]

Rachel Lowe I have the same fear. Sometimes I can't even finish reading a book because I find a different subject too interesting.

[@cyork1288]

I like your take on Sandals. Very insightful.

[@yoh1010101]

Hi, Do you also often get asked to explain what philosophy is? I always find this question the most difficult to address with full satisfaction. Philosophy is something one can show as a practice but not ever be able to fully describe.

[@timothychester2428]

I'm a simple man I saw a beautiful woman talking about philosophy, I automatically subscribe

[@j.c.mgomez2515]

cant wait to see more, cheers from Mumbai!

[@blondthought5175]

Drunkard that I am, I couldn't help but notice the nifty little bar tucked nicely into the background. Cheers!

[@yawnhiccup]

looking forward to your vlogs Ema, Cheers from India :D

[@yawnhiccup]

indeed.. :D