Some Advice About Becoming a Philosophy Professor | Graduate Study, Job Prospects, and Contingency

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I've had quite a few KZbin viewers ask me questions along these lines: I like what I see you're doing, teaching Philosophy, and I think I'd like to do that too. What would I have to do to become a Philosophy teacher?
In this video, I answer those kinds of questions. I talk about what's involved in getting an academic position teaching Philosophy,bits of the story of how I got to where I am, some of the lessons I had to learn the hard way along the road -- and I also stress that one doesn't have to go out and get a degree in order to do, or even to teach Philosophy well.
You can watch an updated version About Becoming a Philosophy Professor | Reconsidering Matters 10 Years Later here - • About Becoming a Philo...
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[@chube5738]

"Don't be too concerned with originality.. it's enough just to understand what the hell Plato was saying" Needed this today, thanks 👍

[@GregoryBSadler]

Good! Glad it was helpful

[@leonlx564]

@@GregoryBSadler May I ask, how difficult is it to be original in philosophy? Or in other words, how common is it for academics to make breakthroughs/significant theories today?

[@GregoryBSadler]

@@leonlx564 Totally depends on how you understand those terms "original", "breakthrough" , "significant". There's no one size fits all answer to your question

[@mark4asp]

"Originality" is actually the problem with philosophy. It's otherwise known as speculation.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Well, the "behind the scenes" person is my wife, who does all the editing, processing, and uploading of these videos -- a lot of work on her part

[@GregoryBSadler]

@@peteroconnor6394 Ah, so you’re a nutter. Got it

[@johnwachowicz1966]

We’re very grateful for her work!

[@GregoryBSadler]

Happy New Year to you and yours as well! You're very welcome -- I'm now, you might say, getting the hang of this video lecture-making business, and I enjoy it quite a bit

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're very welcome! I'm glad that you -- and some others -- asked me about this, and I had you particularly in mind while I was shooting it

[@JohnWallaceMusic]

Great video, thanks for sharing! It's great to hear an honest, inside view about what you do.

[@vanvulcj]

Love this video. Appreciate your relaxed no-nonsense approach!

[@GregoryBSadler]

Thanks!

[@marjoriedadhich7003]

Thank you for this video, definitely helpful. I admit to only watching portions of it, as time permitted for me this afternoon, but I the part that I did see (the last half) was really inspiring, as Xeno mentioned. With a bachelors in psychology, on and off I have considered going to grad school for philosophy instead of pursuing social work or counseling psychology. I appreciate that you emphasized the fact that we can do philosophy and engage with others using technology, regardless of whether we have a degree or not. I think at one point you stated "Nothing is stopping you..." I really liked that sentiment. Thanks again!

[@GregoryBSadler]

+Marjorie McNaughton You're very welcome!

[@MattUSMC1000]

Thank you for sharing, I got a great deal of information and insight out of this. I can't stop reading philosophy and its a pleasure to hear from those who are passionate as well.

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome -- glad you're enjoying the videos

[@dialectics-df5hn]

Wonderful. Really inspirational. Thank you for this.

[@HiFiClassical]

What a wonderful video! I learned a great deal. Thank you so much.

[@cbeaudry4646]

Thanks for the interesting and informative videos. Your KZbin channel is particularly responsible for my decision to change my major to philosophy and pursue a career as a professor.

[@someperson9536]

I enjoyed watching this video. Thank you for posting it.

[@ferasusif]

Thank you very much prof. Gregory. This was the first video I see on your channel and it helped a ton. Your humbleness and kind tone makes it seem as I was getting advice from an old friend. Subscribed! Love from Palestine

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad that you've enjoyed that video - and the others! If you'd like to help me continue this kind of work, consider becoming a Patreon supporter - www.patreon.com/sadler

[@spencerbridgman3256]

Great video Dr. Sadler. Your line about not having to build your own cathedral because so many beautiful cathedrals already exist gave me chills. I also struggle with always wanting to be the most original and smartest person in the room so that line really struck me and I'm going to make a point of remembering it going forward. Cheers!

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad you enjoyed it -- forgot that line myself (it's been a while since I shot this). I think that emphasizing one's own quest for individuality can keep one from seeing just how much -- and how great stuff -- others have done

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome! Yes, I think it's important to keep in mind just how much freedom we do have to shape our own minds, even within institutions

[@Philornaphy]

Priceless advice. Thank you for sharing and inspiring!

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it

[@chaospoet]

I'm only an amateur when it comes to philosophy and and not a professional like yourself. What you just said makes me feel better. I've always been of the humble opinion that if it takes me my whole life to understand the work of just one philosopher it wouldn't be a wasted life. Good to know that those who get paid to learn/teach it are also humble and grateful for what they do know.

[@CaptainJasa]

It’s through your videos and these great thinkers that has ignited my passion for this great profession that I am now seriously thinking about getting a PHD in philosophy but not for another couple of years due to work commitments. I have immersed myself into learning as much as I can during this period , I started from the bottom with Bertrand Russel , Plato and Descartes that was three years ago since then I have now moved on to Heidegger , Arthur Schopenhauer and David Hume. Thank you for bring these videos to a wide audience.

[@GregoryBSadler]

CaptainJasa You're very welcome! Yes, you've been commenting on these videos pretty actively, off and on, for quite some time -- since my early ones, I think! Getting a Ph.D. in Philosophy is certainly a worthwhile pursuit -- if you find a program that's well-suited for the kind of study you want to engage in. That's the key, I think

[@JacksonAndCo18]

This is a wonderful video. Thank you so much for your sincerity and perspective. I needed this.

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're very welcome! Given all the things one could be occupying oneself with on New Years, it's nice to read that this video is actually one of them

[@Bruno-vo9hr]

Hey, I can't thank you enough for making this video, professor Sadler! I'm actually going through a tough period in my academic life, even though I'm just an undergraduate... Sometimes academia can be too arduous and complex, especially from a social point of view, given it's requisites, appearences and self condescendence, all things which really annoy me. It's very nice to see such a down to earth approach on philosophy by you and, most of all, the possibility of a philosophical fulfilling life. Refreshing!

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad it was helpful for you

[@lapse9continuum765]

Dr. Sadler, thanks so much for sharing. You give such great advice! Very inspiring for a student and aspiring philosopher such as myself. :)

[@GregoryBSadler]

+VoidOfNihil9Suicide9 You're very welcome!

[@kizzMyBuzz]

Excellent choice, a complementary effort, like quality Gold and Beautiful Gems !

[@ReniusXX9]

Thank you for those great advice!

[@NamelessHobo]

Thanks for this video. Many of my questions were answered; I profited greatly from watching it.

[@lambdog76]

Very encouraging video, thank you.

[@varunpro1]

I really appreciate the personal time and effort you took to make this video for people who wanna become philosophy professors. Some might say It sounds simple ( not easy ) yet people need to hear it from a person who actually went through it and is living it at the moment . Thanks 👍

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad you found it useful!

[@lookingforthegoodlife4582]

Great video! Very informative and encouraging

[@LudicFallacies]

Happy New Year to you Doc Greg !!! Keep up the great videos.

[@luliecoe4713]

I'm 14 and spent so much of my life accidently doing metaphysics and value theory (specifically aesthetics) and to hear that all these thoughts in my head, not only had words for them, but had a community and millions upon millions of books breaking each individual concept, while also writing different perspectives and opinions is exhilarating!! I not only want to learn, but I want to teach!! currently I'm reading fear and trembling by Kierkegaard and it's taking me a week just trying to break down and understand the prelude and what that story might have meant to him. i am so excited to experience the world of philosophy!!

[@GregoryBSadler]

It’s good to have enthusiasm

[@CB-tc1mk]

34:21 From here you changed my whole perspective regarding my studies. Since then I am able to finish my papers 'cause before I was so nervous not being original and or might bore my professors. Thank you so much!

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome - glad it was helpful to hear

[@brandongardner9176]

The last bit you mentioned about not being too concerned with originality surprised me since I find myself being heavily concerned with it right now, and I am only in my final year for my bachelors in Philosophy/History. I definitely find myself falling down this trap. Identifying this trap may save me from much anxiety and depression for my future academic studies. Thank you.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Well, first off, students sometimes think ideas are "original" because the student didn't remember coming across that idea previously, but often those ideas turn out to be just replications of ideas already long out there. Perhaps watch my video about originality. If your prof wants you to write a paper with references, I'd suggest writing on something that you can provide references for. You've got the rest of your life to publish your original contributions to the field

[@xeno126]

Very inspiring at the later part!!

[@GregoryBSadler]

+Xeno Glad to read it

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're very welcome. Glad it's helpful

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad to hear it! You're welcome!

[@elihilman9155]

Thanks Dr Sadler for the great advice. I'm hoping to enroll in a Phd program in the near future. It sounds like it's a tough ride but it may be well worth it. The actual job market sounds tougher than the Phd itself.

[@galynashulimova9976]

Relly cool! Thanks for sharing your own way! And specially thanks for idea to original.

[@GregoryBSadler]

That's excellent!

[@GregoryBSadler]

I'm glad you enjoy the videos -- I'd suggest turning up the sound on your external speakers for the videos before the time we started boosting the sound

[@AdamSno]

Thank you for giving a fair and honest opinion and evaluation for people looking into this profession

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome!

[@ArkansasRed2012]

Thank you for your time on this. I am currently enjoying your "Half Hour Hegel" series. I'm not seeking the professor of philosophy route, but I enjoy hearing about the journey.

[@GregoryBSadler]

+Bruce Hinchey Glad you enjoyed it - and that you're working through the Hegel videos

[@kizzMyBuzz]

1/2 Professor, First " Happy New Year" I would personally like to thank you for posting your videos, you have helped many people in life's with everyday stumbling blocks by waking up one's cognitive reasoning from the first taste of unexpected experience, sweet or unsweet as it may be. you have the ability to to reach across the aisle of minds, a patient man ! to people with from a basic education to the academically gifted. Now that's a true Gifted Art in itself,(cont) >

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome. Glad it's useful for you

[@MrNewberryL]

I loved what you said about intellectual pride and humility, and about the ‘originality trap’. Thanks!

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome!

[@JazzGuitar420]

Awesome! Sooo helpful. Thanks!

[@avi4758]

I am really thankful for this intuitive advice. And I am glad I came across this video,

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad it's helpful for you

[@dmitryandreyev8579]

This was great! It's cool that I can tell that you prefer the informal approach of discourse but can be straight-forward and practical when dealing with the bureacratic, hierarchical mountain.

[@GregoryBSadler]

or the bureaucratic, hierarchical dungeon, or desert, or. . . .

[@ironwrit]

Thank you for this video. I found it very helpful. This was exactly what I needed to hear.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad to read it

[@revitellect3129]

Really awesome! Thanks for the insight. I was considering being a professor but this shed new light on the idea. Perhaps it may be different in other places, but it's good to know the state of the job at least in America. Thanks and have a nice day!

[@GregoryBSadler]

It has gotten slightly better since 2012, when I made the video, but not enough to really justify thinking it's a likely career path

[@ziyiliu1850]

I, a philosophy major, am really not planning to give up doing philosophy for the rest of my life. This video is amazing. Thanks Greg!

[@theresandersson]

Thank you so much for this.

[@philp521]

I just got my decision letters for undergrad last week, and I’ve been a bit bummed about the results since, but this really helped to pick me up. As it stands, I’ve been accepted into my state school (University of Washington) and waitlisted at some of my dream schools (UChicago, UPenn, and Brown). Knowing now that undergraduate institution is less of a concern for getting hired as a professor is comforting-I feel considerably less screwed-and knowing that if I just work my ass off the next four years, I could be good enough to get past that waitlist threshold for those grad schools gives me a solid boost in motivation and renewed sense of optimism regarding the career I’ve always wanted in academia. Thank you so much!

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're very welcome

[@tethyn]

Well said. The point at the end is very important and inspiring. Thank you.

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome

[@health-gadgets]

I liked your last point on not getting too narrow with your reading and thinking; it's important to keep expanding and constantly take in opposing views. EDIT: On creativity. It's so much more enjoyable to create and to blend different ideas together; perhaps I'm being arrogant and naive. I just know that combing the world of nutrition and philosophy is what the world needs right now. On the other hand, perhaps it's best to present both originalities within one platform and then that in itself is "enough" to send the right message through - I'm thinking out loud now - thanks for this video Gregory.

[@GregoryBSadler]

I'd say that, ideally, you do both. You present the fields each on its own. And then you also combine fields.

[@MichaelKBaldwin]

Fantastic video, thanks a lot for making that. And I know that you said you don't care but you are a likable chap!

[@dionysianapollomarx]

Been looking for this one. This was extremely helpful and encouraging. Gotta admit. Going to any world class graduate school, mostly located outside of my country (Philippines, which is in Southeast Asia), seems a lot more daunting nowadays. Once you're outside of it, doing research and actually teaching, collaborating, seems a lot more open and less constrained than the character of graduate school, as you've described it. Been learning philosophy through various channels including yours, and thru Coursera. If I never go to graduate school for philosophy, I'm personally really fine doing social sciences, which has more global reach where I'm at, or teach humanities in high school. Hopefully, after the dust settles on the pandemic, I can possibly get into graduate school so I can do a university job at respectable capacity.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Each graduate school is going to be different in some respects

[@ssevkin]

I like philosophy, it really opens someone up substantially for working with people. I was an older grad student. It is helping me in my new profession - social work. I've learned a lot from Dr. Sadler. Thanks!

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad philosophy is proving useful for you

[@ssevkin]

One other point I would like to make ( and this is pertaining to intellectual curiosity) It helps to be smart, no doubt. However, you can really wrench a lot of mileage out of all your iq points if you are willing to work. I am not a genius, and it is work! But worth it. Do you agree, Dr. Sadler?

[@GregoryBSadler]

Sev kin Yes. I'm no genius either. The good thing is that when you put in a lot of work, you get to use the fruits of that for a while

[@ssevkin]

It's so exciting when it really starts to make sense.....finally! And like you said, applies to life. Which is the point; helps you live better. ;^}

[@MrRainbowLaces]

Thank you for posting this video, it was really helpful. Philosophy is one of the only degrees that I have really been considering. College, in its nature, just isn't for me. I've always took a heuristic approach to learn, I'm more likely to retain information that way. I'm 17, and I'll be graduating next year. Philosophy is one of the only things that really engages me, besides writing occasionally. I want something to look forward to after highschool. I don't want to spend a decade in school, only to be hit with job barriers. I like the advice you gave though, about doing philosophy on you're own time. I wouldn't'mind doing philosophy in my leisure, but what am I going to do for a career? I'm not a fan of my living situation already, and I couldn't imagine having to hear my mom's mouth for 10+ years, telling me how she put me through school, only to end up unemployed; but she will be pissed regardless of what I do. I was thinking of maybe taking up trade school, and maybe keeping my intellectual aspirations to myself. But I don't want to add fire to the flames, I'm already in a state of despondency, and intense depression. Philosophy has helped me cope somewhat. Any advice? Others career choices? 

[@GregoryBSadler]

The Observer Trade schools are actually a great idea. We don't have enough young people going into the skilled trades. They generally pay well, and there's decent benefits. And, many of the trades do require quite a bit of problem solving and intellectual work. Then, on the side, you continue your more academic intellectual development -- not just totally on your own, but making use of the various resources and networks that are out there. That's my two cents

[@MrRainbowLaces]

Thank you for the advice.

[@xandro2445]

@@MrRainbowLaces what did you do?

[@MrRainbowLaces]

Thomas Harrison I’m currently attending Texas A&M and pursuing a degree in psychology. The existential crisis that I was going through when I originally posted this comment was the catalyst for my interest in psychology. Studying the human mind is now my main passion or telos.

[@McRingil]

​@@MrRainbowLaces Bruh, how`s your mom and what she`s saying about the degree? Anyways, wish you luck, hope you find peace.

[@jackli7831]

Just took the first philosophy course in my undergraduate study(although I major in social science). It's so fascinating to explore this world. Thanks for your video.

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome

[@BradleyGearhart]

This was incredibly helpful. I can’t thank you enough for this.

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're very welcome!

[@fb101786]

This was the most motivating video i have seen in a long time :)

[@GregoryBSadler]

Nice to read. Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidsoto4394]

@@GregoryBSadler Do you know if there are universities that offer a dual degree that grants a doctorate in Philosophy and a law degree at the same time?

[@GregoryBSadler]

@@davidsoto4394 Yes, and you can actually search for that on Google

[@davidsoto4394]

@@GregoryBSadler Is the work for a doctorate in Pholosiphy any different from a doctorate in a discipline like history, engineering, or applied mathematics?

[@davidsoto4394]

@@GregoryBSadler Where can I find free Pholosophy writing promps?

[@peterbogdanovich4043]

Kudos to you dude doctor! this felt very heart felt and warm! Cheers!

[@GregoryBSadler]

Yes, what you see is what you get in my videos

[@LexAcademic]

Thank you for this wonderfully honest video. I want to become a philosophy professor and this has really grounded my decision! Daunting but desirable.

[@DigitalGnosis]

How is it going?

[@ChristopherEdwardsstoicmime]

Inspiring stuff! Thanks!

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome!

[@LexAcademic]

My philosophy tutor tells me I am not original enough. Hearing your words have put me at ease. I still strive to be original and novel (and correct!) but I realise this is potentially superfluous. I want to understand the philosophers first, and then make something all of my own when the time comes. Thanks again, Gregory.

[@chaospoet]

Hello. I'm new to your channel and a person with a casual interest in philosophy.I like seeing how people thought about things over time. It's more of a hobby when I have a free minute, but your videos have allowed me to see that there are more philosophers than I previously knew about. I also have the same pet peeve with people cherry picking. I try to remember there are philosophers of eastern thought(Laozi,Zhuangzi, Confucius, Krishnamurti, Alan Watts). Western tradition is only half of it.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Yes, I can understand that. The profs really owe to their students to make their expectations explicit -- but that's really preaching to the choir for me to say that I think! I've been -- long ago, as an undergrad -- where you're sitting. So, I can sympathise

[@lowking7235]

This is a great video. I’ve been in IT (help desk) for 5 years and I completely resent IT. So I’ve been getting into coding but also philosophy. I’ve been enjoying philosophy more than coding so here I am trying to decide. This video gives me great insight and introspection in general

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad it's useful for you!

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome! I picked Hegel -- and that was about 15 years ago -- because I very much enjoyed working through his thought, and found I had some facility with it. I still think there's much right in his approach. Where are they? Still merely in potentia at present. I'll shoot a series on Hegel's Phenomenology starting this spring, probably going on through the summer. Not sure when I'd get to the Science Logic

[@chanmontecillo2552]

Having watched this video makes me want to study philosophy again. I always feel so much pleasure in studying it.

[@GregoryBSadler]

That's great to read!

[@RileyEffective]

Great video! It does give me the idea that I'm 'good enough' if I study a lot. It also got me thinking: maybe I should start writing more, maybe publish in some small university or philosophy magazines. btw, seeing those Loeb editions make me very happy (I major in Greek and Latin and philosophy) :)

[@GregoryBSadler]

Yes, those Loebs are one of my prized possessions! Glad that the video helped you out!

[@AxeManAnthony]

Great video! I really enjoyed watching it.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad to read it

[@omniarasadesign8843]

Thank you for sharing that experience

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome

[@GregoryBSadler]

1) it depends on what you want to get out of it. If it's a career path -- if you want to teach Philosophy, it's necessary. Would most people who want to study benefit by going to grad school? Sure. But, it's a big investment. 2) Generally, you don't go straight into a Philosophy Ph.D. program. You do an M.A. in Philosophy, then you go do a Ph.D in Philosophy. At the Masters level, you're doing 2 years of coursework and writing a thesis. Doing a Ph.D. after that is really more of the same

[@stephansmith7630]

I'm about to start writing a paper discussing a potential career and having listened to this entire video is going to help me. Thank you.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Stephan Smith You're welcome! Glad it was useful

[@stephansmith7630]

Gregory B. Sadler I'm done now. Cited this video. Thanks again.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Stephan Smith If you'd like me to take a look at it, send it to [e-mail]

[@MrMarktrumble]

"you can do that too". I did. But I don't think I became as knowledgeable as you are." it is enough to understand what the hell Plato was saying" I never finished trying to understand the "big names". ( not yet) . "getting into these things is like getting into a cathedral". Used to be, may it become so again.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Mark Trumble Well, I'm nowhere near done with trying to understand the "big names" myself -- the portion of those I keep going back to. I'm likely not going to exhaust a single one of them before I die. . . and that's all right

[@ThePeaceableKingdom]

I think that's a very good answer. I've had the (somewhat rare, apparently) experience of being actually convinced of a philosophy, though one that assumes it has flaws and requires any follower to find them and move beyond - a process that (given my mental resources) took me a couple of decades. I do agree though that there is great value in grappling with Plato and Kant and the western canon - and religion, science, and eastern philosophy as well. Learning to think is not a bad thing!

[@Juanfox64]

40 min of my life well spent on the first day of 2013. Thanks for the video :)

[@GregoryBSadler]

A connection that it took me a look time to learn -- there's really two main way to learn humility. One, the better way, is to practice it and thereby come to know it, without being required to. The other is to buck against it, and end up being subjected and humiliated in the course of life -- to experience it through fighting against it -- and then hopefully to eventually understand it as not entirely bad. The second is the path I ended up on

[@GregoryBSadler]

@@Axel-gn2ii You should be less prone to blathering your poorly informed opinions nobody asked you for

[@thomaslodger7675]

I'm glad that you mentioned that you can still study philosophy without getting a degree. I believe Spinoza was a lens cleaner his whole life.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Yes, many philosophers have had day jobs

[@Taeryth]

Just a note - If you download Audacity (Freeware, no ads, no ties, ect) you can use a function called "Noise Removal", by going through effect, noise removal, highlight a "quiet" part of your audio, where you're not talking but there's still background noise, "get noise profile", highlight the entire script, and then actually remove noise, to get rid of the static. Otherwise, thanks for the content, this is just the sort of thing I was after.

[@NorthenTasawwuf]

Really nice presentation, Dr. Sadler! Glad to hear that you also play bass 😉 There are many important points that you bring up pertaining to the work market. I can relate to your biographical story of being somewhat unhinged. So am I. Though trying to be less wild and avoiding that "this advice would have been good to take seriously because there was a reason for it, even though I couldn't realise that at the time", from already having a bevy of those - both academically and from work experience. Being a bit philosophically wild has actually helped in delving deep in many things I technically shouldn't know and understand at my formal level 😅, but thankfully I have great mentors - your advice about getting many mentors who are adjacent but different gives a good well rounded perspective on various topics. Also, great advice on stuff that ought to be read and studied; I see a lot of good thought from the "tradition" getting lost, especially with, within, from and due to the analytic tradition. Understanding this from deep diving brought me right back to the classics with the somber realisation that actually a great deal of professionals kind of fumble around and fumbled the ball as it were. I've also gotten caught in various originality traps. Now being a recovering originalist, on my mentors' recommendation ;) Hey, a good question on necessity is whether or not we of this unhinged sort needed an assortment of mistakes and experience in order to turn around. I would suggest that's the case - but that's another long discussion 😉 All the best, from, hopefully, a future Philosopher (PhD), eventually - God willing!

[@GregoryBSadler]

Just looked at the transcript. Doesn't seem I used the term "unhinged"

[@NorthenTasawwuf]

@@GregoryBSadler Haha, no, but it was a funny and representative expression. As "unhinged" and wild and crazy as it gets with philosophy. You know, semantics... and daring to read and explore dangerous ideas and all that, laying out the findings in doing the adventurous detective work performed in the study or at the library. Sorry, I have too much Žižek in my nature. Being facetious might not always come across well in quick text, but given what I've seen from your videos I thought you'd take it in the cheery manner I hoped would come across. Perhaps it failed, but is all in well meaning with good will with much appreciation and mostly a joke towards myself and nothing weird implied. It's about the ideas and the nature of philosophy and philosophers, nothing otherwise. I discovered by chance that I work a lot with what could be construed as applied phenomenology in practice, rather than "just" theoretically, although I find it to be really Platonism rediscovered rather than anything particularly new. I was told that in my laying out certain ideas regarding metaphysics and takes on platonism that I apparently sounded a lot like Heidegger and Coreth before ever having read either. That would be an example of some such wild and crazy unhinged approach. Too much clarification kills the joke. Anyway, I hope that clarifies any bad communication on my part.

[@Luke2the2dukE]

A healthy perspective leads to humility. I like it

[@GregoryBSadler]

That's a pretty good idea. I'll shoot one on those matters after New Years.

[@dqkq23]

thanks- excellent advice. I agree with LifeInNewJersey that it's very useful in helping to distinguish whether you want to be an academic or to "join the conversation". Need to periodically remind myself of these things.

[@thesiseleven6071]

I appreciate Prof. Sadler so much. He encourages philosophy whether towards full career towards a PhD and FT position; or studying because it is one's passion. I got BA in Phil. from Villanova University, later a MLS (for work purposes), and then some graduate courses (Habermas, Hermeneutics, Heidegger & Husserl. Seeing that FT positions were not possible, I did this coursework and then reading and studying on my own. Phil. study groups and circles are sometimes around. Follow youir passion.

[@GregoryBSadler]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and that you found a viable path for yourself

[@GregoryBSadler]

Well, it was an entire summer devoted to study of Hegel. I had several advantages, though. I'd taken an excellent course on the Phenomenology with a guy who himself knew it inside and out -- the one who decided I ought to just memorize it for my exam. I'd also led two student reading groups afterwards where we went through the entirety of it. Most important, though -- I loved, and still do love Hegel and his works.

[@astrangehero]

Hey! I'm currently transferring to ASU as a Creative Writing/Philosophy double major and this video has really helped me. I think the major thing that helped is that you stated I don't need the degree to study philosophy. That's entirely true! I've always loved Eastern Philosophy. Not entirely into the Samurai's way of life, but moreso the Tao te Ching and Confucianism. I really want to take my "act" overseas and learn over there after I get my Bachelor's and I'm hoping I can land a job teaching English in China or Japan, so I can then study what I've always wanted to study and teach what I love (English!) Anyway... just wanted to say your video touched me :) not sure if you still read these comments, but I thank you for the very clear perspective here.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad the video was useful for you

[@illway17]

Thanks for the video, a few questions: 1) While you *can* study philosophy on your own and you don't necessarily need an advanced degree to do philosophy, doesn't the process of getting the advanced degree sharpen your skills, so much so that it is in fact worth it to go through the process? 2) How do PhD programs view MAs? My undergrad was in engineering and I'm currently getting an MA part-time from a low-tier state school. How can I best prepare myself, assuming I want to go for the PhD?

[@arturkvieira]

This video was helpfull beyond words! Thank you!!!

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad to read it

[@neilb3332]

A great video. Thank you

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@esublake7612]

Just found your channel, looking forward to future videos. Much like others within the comment section, i also have aspirations to become a philosophy professor.

[@GregoryBSadler]

It's a tough racket. . . but a rewarding one

[@GregoryBSadler]

Happy New Year to you as well! Now that I'm back at the home office, I'll be shooting quite a few more

[@ZipTieGuyItRhymes]

Still listening to your lectures...Thank you!

[@GregoryBSadler]

You’re welcome

[@rationalityrules111]

You are great. Thanks.

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're very welcome!

[@petermartin2321]

OK very interesting Professor!. At 66 I really don't have any hope of getting a doctorate in philosophy but a masters I might be able to achieve. I got a BA in Sociology in 1973 but am currently working for a BA in Philosophy at Fort Hays State U. online. Obviously for me to think I could someday teach is somewhat of a fantasy but I am thinking that a masters would be great for my own edification and also perhaps would help me to be able to write and publish a book or two in philosophy. I figure that not only would I have more of the language down required to engage in traditional arguments but would also have a greater chance of being published if I at least had a masters.

[@GregoryBSadler]

+Peter Martin Well, if you're talking about traditional publishing, I'm not sure whether it would help or not. It could certainly be useful in developing certain skills that go into writing and researching a book - but you might already have them

[@petermartin2321]

Thanks Prof., I have a fairly good mind and extensive experience set but my writing is not up to snuff. English Composition was the only thing I flunked in College. I am currently taking Epistemology which is really good at stretching my rational mind and growing my knowledge of traditional western philosophical thought with its concepts and vocabulary in addition to increasing my ability to write. There are three papers required and of course the usual online discussions board. Thank you for your responses.

[@GregoryBSadler]

That is great to read! It's kind of unfortunate that the way we've got our post-secondary ed system set up, we basically just throw a few Philosophy classes -- the teaching of which ranges from the terrible to the excellent and everywhere in between! -- at 18-24 year olds as Core requirements, with zero follow-up later on. And, we've got relatively little for everyone else, working, living a life, who might now find the texts and thinkers resonate with them more

[@GregoryBSadler]

Yep, I recommend it to my students

[@dalegillman5287]

Thank you for your advice. I will be applying to graduate school (hopefully going straight into a doctorate program) within the next two months. I am very excited.

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome - and good luck!

[@RationalTheist4]

Thank you soo much professor sadler!