Is It A Good Idea To Major In Philosophy? (And Other Related Questions)

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This is a more personal video, in which I respond to one of my viewers, who asks a set of questions that a number of other people have asked me as well.
I break down his questions into three main ones:
1) Does it make sense to major in philosophy at college, if one is interested in the topic?
2) If one majors in philosophy, is this a bad idea in terms of jobs, career, and financial situation?
3) Should one major in philosophy with the idea of going on to graduate school, and hopefully becoming a philosophy professor?
I also discuss a number of other issues by way of preface and digression along the way. . . .

[@kinder101]

I graduated with a BA in Philosophy and Religion. At the time I wanted to be a philosophy professor. I no longer want to do that as I'm currently pursuing a career in firefighting instead as I find it more rewarding. I'm 25 years old and still enjoy it to this day. I plan on completing my masters in philosophy once my life is settled. I don't regret it one bit. It's amazing and very enjoyable, and I love the fact that it makes you think more broadly and extensively about life.

[@GregoryBSadler]

That's some good and needed work you're doing - and you're right: nothing about it precludes continued study of philosophy. I actually enjoy engaging in philosophy - and study of philosophy - a good bit more with people who work outside of philosophy these days.

[@farmerjohn6526]

Once you're settled, your wife won't let you.😂

[@pcdihealth]

I really love your videos. I am not an expert in philosophy but I feel your passion when you are lecture.

[@XDBANE]

Thanks for the informative video! Was just in time too as my university applications begin a week from now and i've been contemplating this for a while now.

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're quite welcome

[@vinkelsier8513]

I graduated with a BA in History in Indiana in 2011, I regretted it for a little while, but then I remembered I was able to study abroad in England, and am now (yes I almost 30 and working on my Master's in Ireland), be able to see Europe has been a huge benefit and a lot of schools in Europe accept the FAFSA for student loans (and is cheaper than America) :) I love the liberal arts tradition, I always tell employers my major in history was 38 credits, but I needed 128 credits to graduate, America has forgotten what the entire tradition is about, it is about being well rounded in all fields of knowledge. I am very thankful I was able to get this experience in my life. I never got laid or partied, but my mind did get blown many times, so fuck the haters :D

[@errorinscript1127]

Vin Kelsier Cool , I also never got laid or partied. I want to study at least ba in philosophy.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Well. . . I have to admit I split my time as a student between intensive study, working a variety of jobs, and a good bit of indulgence in drinking, goofing off, and relationships.

[@errorinscript1127]

Gregory B. Sadler We are all different in life.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Error inscript Indeed. And, not suggesting my course would work for most

[@codacreator6162]

I agree. A university education traditionally did not (and should not now) focus on only one subject. That's what trade schools are for. Besides, I think, as Mr. Sadler indicates here, philosophy permeates EVERYTHING. It's all connected--science, technology, philosophy, culture. We can't all major in IT and expect our global, social, political, and cultural problems to be addressed by it.

[@e11eme]

You are one of my idols Dr Sadler! Ive been watching your videos for a few years now and am very grateful for your content. You inspired me to pursue philosophy in my spare time while i was doing a BA in International Marketing, which eventually led me into doing a single subject course at the University of Oslo and later on to do an MSc in philosophy at the University of Edinburgh. Although I am extremely lucky to have studied philosophy at such a prestigious university, and they did have great courses for introducing philosophy to students that had not taken a BA in philosophy previously (granted, I do have student loans now up to my ears), I was a bit disappointed when I arrived. I ended up feeling like a fair amount of research areas pursued and articles written were governed by dollar signs, not just at Edinburgh but in academia in general, with the addition of some kind of air of elitism culture. My confidence got completely crushed. Previously I wanted to continue straight on to do a PhD, but for now I would prefer to work within business and further develop my writing skills. Hopefully come back to a Phd in the future. One of my goals is to publish a paper within metaphysics. Do you have any videos on tips for publishing that I have missed? Are there certain publishers that are more credible or better to aim for than others?

[@GregoryBSadler]

That's interesting to find out - that there would be a financial motive for publishing in philosophy. Generally, that's not the case, since there's little money in it! I'd say that it's smart to keep on with business, and bringing philosophy into it - particularly if you're currently paying off loans. I don't have any videos about publishing specifically, and I'm not sure that I'd have any particularly helpful advice about it - though I'd have to think about it. There are certainly journals that are more highly rated by people in the field, but - despite what people like to pretend - there's no real consensus about that matter. Most articles don't actually get read, and some of them don't even get read attentively by the people who are supposed to be reviewing them (sad but true).

[@tjf5731]

This was a wonderfully detailed video. Being someone who has two BA's, one in Philosophy, finding work before I go to graduate for it has been tough. Not a lot of people looking for tutoring in Philosophy, unless they are rarefied undergrads. Thank you Dr. S.

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome!

[@seanericanderson3666]

Excellent video, Dr. Sadler

[@GregoryBSadler]

Thanks!

[@rock0795]

I'm not a philosophy major but based on my observations I've come to this conclusion. Majoring in philosophy is good for personal development, not for a career. I could be wrong on these. Great video, thank you.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Depends on what "career" means. If you think it means being a professor, you're right. If you think it means doing something with some of the skills acquired in philosophy, out in the workplace, you'd be wrong

[@GregoryBSadler]

golf rizzle Very interesting!

[@codacreator6162]

If you're looking to education to solve your financial problems with a 'quick fix,' then yes, philosophy is a tough road. But if you're observations have been that philosophy in no way helps make for better bosses, more efficient and diverse human interactions in the workplace, you've been looking in the wrong places.

[@TangomanX2008]

I would recommend that if a person wants to major in philosophy, but also to get something "practical." Why not look into taking some courses in information technology (maybe even minor in it), such as computer networking and IT security? If you do this, however, also go the extra step and get some IT experience , such as an IT internship, volunteer work, or part time job. (perhaps even get a certification, like the CCNA or the Security+). If you can handle an upper (or even a 200 level) philosophy of mind class, you should have no problem getting through those IT courses. But, again make sure you get that IT experience. It doesn't have to be a lot. All you need is some proven experience and two or three people to vouch for you (references) and you shouldn't have a problem finding IT work after you get your degree. Don't do the mistake I did, getting the experience after my degree. Finding places to get experience is so much easier when you are in college or university.

[@MehdiGlz]

Getting references is sure nice, though you don't actually need college courses for IT, there are tons of AMAZING learning resources on the internet, many are actually free. If you can afford it, then go for it, but if you could invest the time and money on different courses, I'd say go with those. Just my two cents (I'm an employed and graduated software engineer)

[@melsinderbr]

Thank you so much!!!!!!!! This video was great!!

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@heavinessofsaturn6515]

I've decided to watch this now after the last few days of trying to get my head straight in-regards to figuring out how I am to orient the latter half of coursework for my undergraf when I transfer from C.C to Uni. About 4 yrs ago I decided to go back to school after a 4 1/2 yr hiatus, having originally attempted to go through with C.C enrollment between '07-'09. In those years, I was not aware at all about the philosophical *tradition and thus, all of the branches of inquiry that connect to that field. I really liked the idea of learning Russian and majoring in eastern European studies. Though, the C.C campus adjacent to my hometown did not offer Russian, only a campus about 45 minutes north of me did. I still think that b/c I had difficulty simply in making sure I could commute to a night class and get back home *without a car, is one prime reason as for why I did not go far with that academic pursuit. The other reason had to deal with meeting a person my age who was going to school out of state and was actually majoring in the language itself, had lived over there for a time and really was knowledgeable on all sorts of studies-related facets to the subject itself that it was a major blow to my ego and I gave up (due to reasons that were inauthentic, in my opinion). So between 2010-2014, I went through my early 20s, seeking out a new place to live, new friendships/associations and of course, involving myself in "seeking myself". I found myself immersed in self study and extensive self-help related work. Even lived homeless for a year (still worked a part time job, but walked around alot!). Eventually, I decided to go back to school after relocating from a previous residency and thought that Psychology might be a possible major to pursue down the road. After 2 semesters and a relationship breakup, I knew I was oriented wrongly. I then began to orient myself to mathematics with the idea of majoring in it with a concentration in Operations Research, and then I deserted it once I realized that preconceiving a potential venture to set out on that does not wholly match your skill sets is a bad idea ( O.R is typically offered at the Master's/PH.D level, so my local Uni did not specify that in their program description of that degree, via the website). Gradually, I began to give in to Philosophy by 2015 but also try to pair it with another field of study and it was an onward 'tug of war' between Religious studies and Mathematics and by 2016, a new field entered into the equation as an alternative to those two: Environmental studies. Yet again, a new 'war' along the spectrum of this pairing emerged ranging from seeing myself in the future, post-undergrad pursuing environmental law, environmental statistics (or 'quantitative ecology') and now, an additional one: environmental economic (public) policy. The latter sounds more appealing and there are several master's programs out there speciailizing in this and so at this point, I think that that is what I am going to pursue. It feels pathetic that it has taken me 10 years from now going back to when I last graduated high school to come to a mode of surety that a given *undergrad program is the sort that I am to endeavor with confidence and enthusiasm.Going back and forth between '14 to now represents a process of further self discovery. Times are rough in the job market and I really want to hone in as far as I can to find the kind of field to get specialized in that is the right fit for me. Practically speaking, philosophy, economics and environmental studies are what make up the triad of subjects that interest me at this point (I do like German, as well and hope to take a few intermediate courses in that to fill in some open elective requirements). I'm just trying to be smart before I "sign my life away" taking out loans when I transfer to Uni. I know I won't regret my choice. Here's to majoring in Philosophy with a concentration in ethics and public policy and a minor in Environmental studies! Thank you for posting this insightful video!

[@GregoryBSadler]

Quite a path - it often takes quite a while to sort out for oneself what one wants to do. Good luck with the studies!

[@heavinessofsaturn6515]

Gregory B. Sadler Thank you so much for the reply! And yes, it has been quite an unexpected, 'road less traveled' sort of path that I've been treading on and did not intend to travel atop of almost a decade ago.

[@vtheorem2211]

Thanks for the video.

[@IKlondikeI]

Hi, I thought I'd add to this discussion because I am a university student pursuing a double major, one of which being philosophy. I am at the University of Pittsburgh, which has "world famous" philosophy department. I will say that I focus primarily on my other major, as I have more interest (sociology), but I started as only a philosophy major. Here specifically, there are many great philosophy professors who will give you great courses. My most favorite has been on Plato's Republic. I went in quite sceptical and uninterested, and left nearly the opposite. Some professors are the opposite. To me, philosophy is a hit or miss subject, which you will find some thinkers you are interested in and find compelling, and others which you won't. A professor can make all the difference in this dynamic, as was suggested in the video. At this university, a philosophy course is a required gen. ed., so often you will get classes mixed with people who have never read any philosophy along with philosophy majors. This is very refreshing and beneficial to discussion. However, this is not the case at all universities. It can be a downside sometimes as well. Not all phil. courses are marked as gen. ed., and the ones that are tend to have a professor that expects much less from the students. I am currently in a gen. ed. marked course on Karl Marx (whether you take him seriously as a philosopher is another story, but nonetheless), and the course feels much more lax than others which I've had. As a student here, I would suggest double majoring. The philosophy degree is not incredibly intensive (unless you get an intensive philosophy degree which is more credits), and doesn't include as much credits as other degrees. This is not to say you don't receive a good education from it, but I think it is something that is incredibly beneficial alongside other degrees. The critical, thought-driven analysis that you will provide from training in philosophy is far different from those in other disciplines. You will have a distinct edge and uniqe reference point coming into most discussions.

[@timothycatlin7414]

I really appreciated this video. I am a student currently working towards a transfer degree and I am approaching the time where I probably need to decide if I want to continue towards a major in political science or philosophy. I still haven’t decided but this video has given me a bit more to consider.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad it was useful for you!

[@newan6626]

That 16 year old kid sounds exactly like me, word for word even the professor part, I'm just a bit younger. I'm sold on philosophy now.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Good

[@paulm1143]

I encourage you to follow you heart, best wishes.

[@satoshinakamoto7253]

its useless for a job, you can read that by yourself

[@mariom8137]

Very helpful thank you

[@codacreator6162]

He's absolutely right about the quality of teachers... sometimes you just have to get lucky. If you're determined enough, you will find those that can help you pursue your passion by sharing theirs.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Yes - and whether a school is elite or not often has little correlation with whether it has the kind of teachers that are really interested in their subjects, or who are willing to work with you. . .

[@codacreator6162]

I found my best, most passionate and influential instructors at a local community college and at two small online universities.

[@GeorgiosMichalopoulos]

This is a very thoughtful video and it's really nice you took the time to answer a teenager's email. I agree with most of what you say, for instance on the phd market, on combining phil studies with another topic, on the importance of the faculty actually having good teachers rather than just good writers/researchers. If I have one disagreement it's the value of the a phil degree in the job market and the opportunity cost by comparison to other degrees. I'm not saying we should discourage ppl from studying philosophy altogether, but I think that they often don't fully realize the implications for their professional future.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Spell out your disagreement.

[@GeorgiosMichalopoulos]

@@GregoryBSadler I´ve heard many times the "employers value the philosophers skills" argument. I never found it very convincing. In many cases, the best course of action is to study something with a better/clearer career path, in part because it´s easier to study phil independently if you don´t have to worry about paying the bills.

[@GregoryBSadler]

@@GeorgiosMichalopoulos Given how different cases and curricula can be, I'd say that it's tough to support those sorts of generalizations. You do know of course that one can double-major

[@GeorgiosMichalopoulos]

@@GregoryBSadler Thank you for taking the time to reply, appreciated. I don't see how any philosophy curriculum would give anything beyond "transferable skills". As you say, there are many factors to consider here, but there also many alternatives to a university degree if one wants to pursue their passion for philosophy. About double majors, I'm not American but I thought my original comment made it clear I think they are a good idea. Similarly, PPE on our side of the Atlantic. Given the opportunity, let me say I'm a huge fan of your online work, I recently watched your vids on the genealogy of morals and also the Republic. Many thanks for all these fascinating videos!

[@reflectingplusplus]

Dude you look like Christian Bale, The dark knight. Good video

[@Schopenhauer14]

Dr. Sadler, I am a little surprised you didn't mention the Continental-Analytic divide, or the specialisation of departments even within one of those traditions. Because while I wouldn't say I regret getting a major in philosophy, I definitely regret doing it at my department (not only did I have faculty openly make fun of me for being an idealist, and trying to defend Hegel, I had one faculty member explicitly say "this is not the department for you"). So I would say it is probably important for a prospective student, to either have a very firm idea what exactly in philosophy they are interested and find a department that is sympathetic. Or come to whatever department a blank slate so you have no metaphilosophical or philosophical predictions of you own, and can conform to the department's.

[@GregoryBSadler]

I've talked about the "divide" in other videos. And I did give a good bit of advice here about how to scope out a department

[@Schopenhauer14]

Okay, after a second watch, I see where you are saying that. 8:00 - 9:00, and 14:30-15:00. It still probably would be helpful to flag issues like department specialisation, and which side of the analytic-continental-pluralist divide they stand on, which I was ignorant of how large an effect it can have, when I did my undergrad.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Paolo Camporese Sounds like a great occasion for you to produce and post the video you'd rather have seen. And, if you watch my videos where I discuss the matter, you'll see I consider the "analytic-continental divide" a rather arbitrary feature of the current poor state of philosophy in the Anglosphere. Neither do philosophy, connected to its historical traditions, well.

[@Schopenhauer14]

Gregory B. Sadler I know you have those videos, I know the divide is regrettable and sucks. But a highschool kid seeing this video only a year from now may not know anything about the videos you have or haven't made. And a simple mention of the divide, followed by an "I have done a video on that, going into greater detail", which is something you say in other videos, would have sufficed here. That way the kid knows to find out more, and where to start, potentially making a difference to his choice of department, and giving another one of your videos a view. I was only pointing out what seemed to be an oversight, in an otherwise good video.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Yep, I got what you were after. Like I said, sounds like a great opportunity for you to create the video you'd have liked to have seen

[@Ivan-bg1jp]

I'm majoring in Philosophy, and right now, I am learning how to write grant proposals and also coding. I think of Philosophy as having a little bit of knowledge of everything, it's kinda like it gives you the ability to comprehend the interconnectedness of everything, therefore, gives you an indispensable hidden skill. Unless you want to stay in the academe, it would be practical to learn another skill and let philosophy aid your journey with it.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Depending on how it's taught or studied, that can indeed be one good result from philosophy

[@someperson9536]

Thank you for this video. I already have a bachelor's degree and a good career. I'm going back to school to enroll in a philosophy certificate or degree program. I don't need to do this for my career. I'm doing this because I would like to do some research on various philosophical issues and obtain feedback.

[@GregoryBSadler]

That's a good reason for enrolling

[@m.a.miller6926]

This is a very important topic, but I had a related question. How difficult is it to participate in the philosophical community with a Ph.D, but no formal teaching position in an institution. Can you still get published, attend conferences, etc., especially if you find a way to develop a revenue stream that allows for time to work on philosophical pursuits?

[@GregoryBSadler]

You certainly can get published - generally, it's supposed to be "blind review". And, yes, you can attend conferences, though - unless they're bringing you in to speak - expect to foot the full bill yourself. I left my last full-time, tenure track position back in 2011. I'm still pretty active

[@alanabellamy2179]

I've been thinking about majoring in philosophy, but fear of public speaking is holding me back. How many presentations/speeches will you be expected to give?

[@GregoryBSadler]

Totally depends on the program, class, professors, etc. There's no standard answer. Of course, there is the option of working through that fear. Try Toastmasters

[@HippieChick9]

You also did another major, mathematics? Do you think the pairing of philosophy with mathematics create a better understanding of the practice of mathematics?

[@GregoryBSadler]

Of course. I said in the video that doing that with any discipline will enhance one's study of that discipline

[@fxck1761]

Not sure if you’ll still respond ? but I’m thinking about becoming a philosophical counselor and was wondering based upon your intellect Is this a worthy career and a good idea to pursue. I would need a masters in philosophy or mental psychology I’m very passionate about both but not sure how to approach it I’m 18 turning 19 in November and I’m applying to various colleges if you could give some advice that’d be amazing thank you :)

[@GregoryBSadler]

Before becoming a philosophical counselor would become an option, like you note you'd need to earn a B.A. and then an M.A. or Ph.D. I'd first see what that holds for you, and then see then whether you're still interested in becoming a philosophical counselor. A lot might change for you over the course of those 6-11 years. I went and did the APPA training and certification because I was already doing similar work, and thought it would be good to make it official and set up a formal pay structure for it.

[@fxck1761]

Gregory B. Sadler thank you I’ll keep it in mind I just was overall curious

[@someperson9536]

Taking philosophy classes is beneficial. One can gain skills in evaluating arguments, writing, critical thinking, and problem solving. Logic is learned in philosophy and being able to think logically is important for many jobs. Medical doctors need to think logically in order to make a diagnosis. Computer programmers need to think logically in order to write software. Judges need to think logically in order to interpret the law and assess the evidence that is presented in court. In philosophy, one learns how to look for unwarranted assumptions in people's arguments. Making sure that one does not have false assumptions is very important. For example, if someone has false assumptions about how automobiles work, then he is not going to be good at fixing cars.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Ideally, what you're saying will happen in a philosophy class will indeed happen in it. In actuality, it depends very much on the instructor and institution

[@someperson9536]

That's true.

[@gamaliellebagorio2059]

Just in time. I have the same questions in my head

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad it's useful for you

[@gamaliellebagorio2059]

Very useful sir. Thank you

[@ludophile99]

Generally, do students who managed to do their curriculum in top universities face these same difficulties in finding a job as a philosophy professor?

[@GregoryBSadler]

Not as much, but it's still very competitive, and hiring decisions are often quite arbitrary.

[@Korpandor]

It seems here and in earlier videos as if you are very down on the PhD/professor market. Do you know if it is any different in Europe? Or does the american phenomenon also hold true here? Thank you for the video!

[@Paljk299]

It's awful in the UK, there's a lot of academics working on an ad hoc basis (zero hours contracts, temporary work as lecturers). I know smart people with good quality PhDs working part time teaching A Levels at my local further education college (about as low prestige as you can get), that's a tough job.

[@GregoryBSadler]

You'd need to ask some Europeans - and keep in mind that the European academic economy is very different from the British one. It's not just me who's "very down on the PhD/professor market", though - ask around with other American academics, and you'll get much the same response

[@GregoryBSadler]

Well, as someone who with a "good quality PhD" taught for six years in a maximum security prison, I'm not particularly sympathetic with those who are unhappy with getting to teach, just not at what institution they feel they deserve to be in. In my view one should teach the students one gets, and treat them as just as important as the elite students.

[@Paljk299]

Yes a fair point, and perhaps I phrased it poorly in terms of prestige. Nothing wrong with that institution, I studied there pre-university with some excellent lecturers. But the salary is low, not enough hours, job security is poor, not the kind of job you can rely on to feed a family and pay a mortgage. The FE sector is undervalued, underpaid and underfunded here unfortunately.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Paul J Kimberlee Well that makes it a bit different. Here, teaching in a community college (which would be the equivalent) pays all right, and usually it's easy enough to get tenure. Perhaps some of the people you're describing are in the condition that our adjuncts are - which ranges from not terribly bad to terrible

[@TangomanX2008]

I would agree with what you are saying, that employers would appreciate the writing skills someone with a bachelors in philosophy should have. However, it is important to remember that this is a transferable skill that will need some adjusting. Do not try to write a business report, or memo, using the same style of you used with philosophy papers. I strongly urge philosophy graduates to read up a little on business or technical writing so that you make the necessary adjustments to writing in a business and non-academic environment.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Yes, you can say that about pretty much any sort of communication. One reason why philosophers ought to study rhetoric (and the philosophers - like Aristotle and Cicero. . . all the way down to Ricoeu - who took rhetoric seriously)

[@ashutoshbansal5802]

Which college is best to study bachelor of philosophy in Canada ?? .your videos are good .

[@GregoryBSadler]

How would I know?

[@0fficer47]

I wish to philosophy as a motivational speaker and eventualy become a professor

[@GregoryBSadler]

Well, good luck with both

[@kawtharmarhoon2481]

would learning Greek language be necessary in this field?

[@GregoryBSadler]

kawthar marhoon depends on what you plan to do in the field

[@michaeld387]

I would add that in addition to political science, history, and women's studies, sociology departments can be a good place to get a well rounded practical philosophical education. It allows you to study broad topics like economics, family, political systems, criminal justice, history, and the like from a variety of broad, theoretical standpoints as well as practical examples and implication of theories. It's not for everyone and again, it depends on the institution but I believe it gives a solid philosophical education without the ego that I have noticed in some philosophy departments.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Yes, depending on what the department looks like, sociology (and sometimes psychology and anthropology as well) can be a good place to study some philosophy. I've interacted with a lot of people across the disciplines in the course of my career, and my experience has not been that there's less ego in sociology departments than in philosophy

[@michaeld387]

Gregory B. Sadler Well you have undoubtedly interacted with more people in more departments than I ever have (or probably will) so I will concede that point.

[@Retrogamer71]

I wouldn't be able to invest my interest in philosophy by writing in the acedemic forms dictated by a university course. Nor would I be able to read philosophers whose prose style I had no liking whose works were integrated in the curriculum. Love of wisdom ought be a lifelong series of joyful studies and revelation. Why would you drop an interest in philosophy and its benefits when the material is accessible from many sources, and opportunity to grow is facilitated by following the work of great communicators like Dr. Sadler. And to whom we are in debt of demonstration of our gratitude.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Yes, we're in a particularly fortunate time, as far as readily available resources go. Even before that, one could still study philosophy on one's own - at least half of my own studies didn't occur through the curricula in undergrad/grad school

[@Inflames128gg]

Let's be honest here, if we are already at a point where we are asking this question - we are just looking for excuses. Do you want to use the reason privately? Sure go major, that's what these institutions are for. Do you want to use the reason publicly? Go major and prepare to be disappointed.

[@GregoryBSadler]

I guess you speak for yourself , since it would be nuts to think that one can know everyone else is just looking for excuses

[@Inflames128gg]

@@GregoryBSadler I guess so - the nature of the inquiry already paints what we want to see.

[@farmerjohn6526]

You should study philosophy if you question philosophy.

[@GregoryBSadler]

But not necessarily major in the topic at an academic institution

[@Jy3pr6]

Do you believe in some form of ontological argument?

[@GregoryBSadler]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3uoZKOhq61nqZI

[@Jy3pr6]

Gregory B. Sadler You mentioned that the bulk of your scholarly work is on Anselm and the idea that I'd go to another of your videos to post the question strikes me as so affected that I didn't even consider it

[@GregoryBSadler]

Jonathan Perez You're free to think what you like. Calling someone's response "affected" is a rather thoughtless move, if you aim to have any further conversation

[@Jy3pr6]

Gregory B. Sadler I didn't mean your response seemed affected but that I didn't consider looking for another video to leave the comment I did because doing so struck me as affected

[@Jy3pr6]

Gregory B. Sadler In other words, your suggestion isn't what I found affected. I understand where you're coming from I just thought searching through your entire video corpus for the "right" video to post my comment seemed a bit much. The question did occur to me as a result of watching this video (and not another) after all

[@sherlockholmeslives.1605]

I am still a tiny bit frustrated that I was not allowed in the 6th form. A wanker teacher said "We have not got a course to suit you." My IQ is about 140! I suppose I just can't be taught by other people, I am very intelligent though.

[@GregoryBSadler]

That must suck, not being able to be taught by others, given what a golden age of online education we live in

[@sherlockholmeslives.1605]

@@GregoryBSadler I don't want to sound nasty, Gregory, but there seems to be sarcasm in your reply to me. I am a learner, from You Tube, just that I am a learner by myself more than through others, like Richard Wagner and Albert Einstein were. You do know I am very intelligent don't you? I wouldn't have said it otherwise. Cheers - Mike.

[@GregoryBSadler]

@@sherlockholmeslives.1605 Yep, there's some sarcasm. Telling people how intelligent you are isn't going to make any good impressions. And it's your choice to write stuff like that. If you really are unable to learn from others, I've no idea why you're even here, since it would be from others. Good luck with your studies

[@sherlockholmeslives.1605]

@@GregoryBSadler I got bullied and ignored at school and in life by many people because they thought I was thick! Where is the justice in that?!

[@sherlockholmeslives.1605]

I am naturally very egotistical and I suffer because of it. Everyone is fighting a battle, you know?

[@penssuck6453]

I majored in philosophy at UCLA and did well there. I graduated with a 3.6 GPA. In my final two years, I carried a 3.85 GPA in upper division philosophy classes. Of my graduating class, I was easily in the top 5 with regards to ability. I'm not bragging. I'm giving you a standard from which to measure. Now let me tell you what one of my philosophy professors told me when I asked him about graduate school: "If you can see yourself doing anything else, do that instead." Again, I only got A's in his classes and he wrote me a strong letter of recommendation, so he wasn't saying I wasn't cut out for philosophy. He was saying that it's a hard market. Here's what you're facing if you're thinking of becoming a philosophy professor. One, professorship positions are scarce because professors teach until they fucking die. Two, getting a good job, one at a university of your preference, is hard even when there are openings. Why? Because of the competition. If you haven't graduated in the top of your class from a prestigious Ph.D program -- NYU, Rutgers, Princeton, MIT, Harvard, UCLA, USC, Brown, etc. -- then you're not as coveted as those who have. Three, getting into a prestigious Ph.D. program is extremely difficult. It's harder getting into Harvard's Philosophy Ph.D. program than it is getting into Harvard Law. And that's not even taking into account that you need to stand out at those prestigious programs; otherwise, you're not going to get recommended to the top positions. Four, doing philosophy well is fucking hard. Trust me, everybody has the conceit that they're good at philosophy. Few people have any idea whatsoever of the skill, talent, and hard work required to do philosophy at a high level -- enough where you stand out at UCLA, at MIT, at Princeton, etc. I mean, if you can't manage a 3.5 GPA or better at a good undergraduate school, you should really consider doing something else. Here's my personal journey in philosophy. Btw, I didn't pursue a Ph.D. At first, I had no idea what doing philosophy was. I thought I knew because I had read a bunch of philosophy, especially "Continental" guys like Nietzsche, before I took a class at UCLA. Even the 6-8 philosophy courses I took at city college didn't prepare me to do philosophy. It took me almost a full year of classes -- mind you, I was about a B+ student during this time -- before I finally got the hang of writing philosophy papers, which just is doing philosophy. I have some talent for philosophy, btw, and you shouldn't take it for granted that you have as much as I do. In fact, likely 90% of you don't. Okay, I really think it's 99% of you, but I don't want to come off as a douche. Anyway, none of you do, but no matter, let's keep going. As a very good philosophy student, I came to realize a couple of things: (1) very few students can do good work in philosophy, as it takes both talent and hard work, and most people don't have the talent, and (2) the better you get at philosophy, the harder it is, which sounds odd, but let me explain. Once you get good, or pretty good, you realize just how shoddy your former work was, and so you realize that you need to work even harder to produce anything of quality. You might, like me, then develop a complex: you become a perfectionist, leaving you forever unsatisfied (like my ex wife). The best philosophers know which questions to ask. Sounds simple, but good luck knowing which questions to ask. And it's not something anyone can really teach you, either. Almost any philosopher, good or bad, can give his answers to those important questions. I mean, look at professors today: they make their living teaching what others have said and write papers on questions others have already asked. These guys aren't dummies, but they're not particularly impressive philosophers either. Anyway, the moral of the story is that philosophy is hard, you have no idea what doing philosophy is yet, you very likely aren't as good at it, or as smart, as you think you are , and you likely don't have or will ever have the talent to do quality work. In conclusion, I'm smarter than you.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Well, you certainly do manage to convey a strong impression with all that.

[@babysharkdoodoodoo454]

Riley Pare Think he was joking lol

[@gogogomes7025]

The kid made one question, and the dude got five out of it, guess nobody answer a question like a philosopher

[@xlysxy]

The short answer is... No. The long answer is... No, you should not major in Phylosophy, go read a philosophy book at your library or online, talk to people who have philosophy degrees either online or at starbucks (they usually work there). Don't spend your money to study philosophy, get a career going, and when you get gray hairs in your pubes, only then you can pay cash to study philosophy.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Interesting. I don't think the question was actually directed to you