Is a Philosophy Degree a Good Idea?

Despite all the buzz about STEM programs, why do so many people choose a low-tech major like philosophy?  Can a philosophy degree pave your path to financial success?

Philosophy majors are passionate about their field because it transforms their inner selves.  Philosophy courses help you develop the ability to think logically, make sound decisions, and communicate effectively – key skills in a variety of careers.

Why People Find Philosophy Fascinating

Philosophy – the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake -- has been around since the days of chariot races.  Thousands of years later, we’re still sharing the wisdom of Plato and Marcus Aurelius – no longer on scrolls, but on social media.

To outsiders, students in this discipline may seem as archaic as 1950s beatniks reciting Jack Kerouac poetry in a coffee shop.   Like slow fashion and the perfect omelet, philosophy requires free time.  You can’t right-swipe your way to wisdom.

Philosophy develops your ability to think critically and present arguments.  A philosopher -- equal parts optimist and pessimist -- examines the world and his own beliefs for answers to the Big Questions.  Why are we here?  What can we trust to be true?  Do we really know what we think we know?

When you choose this degree, you join an eclectic cadre of intellectuals.  Famous philosophy majors include former U.S. President Bill Clinton, game show host Alex Trebek, and veteran actor Harrison Ford.

Can You Earn Money With a Philosophy Degree?

The wisdom of earning a degree in, well, wisdom remains open to debate.  Some people insist that it’s on a par with a business degree; others are skeptical.  How can you earn a paycheck by debating whether a tree fell in a forest, if no one saw it fall?

To increase their employability, many philosophy students add a minor, a second major, or a graduate degree in a complementary field.  Popular choices include:

• education
• computer science
• math
• business
• law
• political science
• psychology
• history
• journalism

Regardless of which additional subject they choose, philosophy students typically excel at taking tests (even formidable, life-changing tests like the bar exam).

Careers for Philosophy Majors

A philosophy degree carries an air of intellectualism, respectability, and trustworthiness that suits a plethora of careers.  Although teaching is a traditional employment path for philosophy majors, many alternatives await.

Business.  Tales of philosophy majors who conquered the business world abound.  Patrick M. Byrne, the founder and former CEO of Overstock.com, became a cryptocurrency pioneer.  Gerald M. Levin built the legendary AOL Time Warner media empire.  George Soros became a billionaire investor and philanthropist.

Visionary bosses surround themselves with people who think outside the box.  If your interview at a Fortune 500 company veers into a discussion about probable impossibilities being preferable to improbable possibilities, Aristotle may give you an edge in landing the job.

Besides your analytical abilities, your writing skills will also come in handy on your way up the ladder.  When you become the CEO of your own corporation, you will draft a mission statement reflecting your company’s duties to society and memos praising your employees’ contributions toward achieving those goals.

Politics.  The idealism that philosophy inspires can grow into a desire to change the world.  Late Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau began his political career as a lawyer and an activist.  Campaigning and writing speeches for candidates are also ways to build your fame in the political arena.

Literature.  Philosophy has given us countless famous authors, including Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Mary Higgins Clark, and Philip K. Dick.  Great thinkers have created masterpieces in every literary genre, from historical epics to groundbreaking science fiction.  If writing books is your ambition, research skills and an active imagination will help you develop your thoughts for publication.

Entertainment.  If you can handle the challenges of global fame, show business (it’s called The Industry in Southern California, as if there is no other) may be your ticket to success.  Acting, writing, directing, producing – many positions exist in front of and behind the camera.

Comedy may not be pretty, but it’s profound.  Philosophy majors, familiar with human foibles and life’s ironies, often venture into stand-up comedy.  Steve Martin – actor, comedian, novelist, playwright, banjo player – is a Renaissance man who discovered creative ways to share his wry brilliance with the world.

Conclusion

The study of philosophy is a personal journey with far-reaching effects.  Someday you may have a dynamic conversation about life, truth, and reality with a prospective employer…and unexpected doors may open.