what do you learn in a philosophy course

Important Facts About Course Curriculum for Philosophy Majors

Concentration	Law and Justice, Philosophy and Classics ...
Learning Environment	Traditional classroom and online options ...
Continuing Education	Master's and doctoral degrees
Possible Careers	Law, Educator, Journalism, Publishing, P ...
Key Skills	Analytical, synthetic and critical think ...

May 3 2022

Full Answer

Why every student should study philosophy?

The study of Logic teaches us what distinguishes good from bad reasoning and thereby enables us to think critically. In History of Philosophy we learn how the greatest thinkers in the history of humankind answered these and similar questions.

How to know if you are good at philosophy?

Topics you’ll learn about will include: Epistemology, where we’ll consider what our knowledge of the world and ourselves consists in, and how we come to have it; Philosophy of science, where we’ll investigate foundational conceptual issues in scientific research and practice; Philosophy of Mind, where we’ll ask questions about what it means for something to have a mind, and …

What should I read to get into philosophy?

7 rows · The curriculum of a course in modern philosophy covers thinkers during the Enlightenment age, ...

What skills does philosophy give you?

Philosophy classes are a mix of all fields and walks of life; there will debates ranging from religious to literary, science to mathematics, etc. The fundamental subject of death and mortality is also an oft-discussed topic. Therefore, it is important to be open-minded and accept all questions and criticisms.

What is taught in a philosophy course?

Philosophy is the study of the nature of existence, knowledge, truth and ethics. It involves consideration of the most fundamental questions about who we are, and examines philosophical thought across the breadth of history right up to the present day.

What skills do you learn from philosophy?

5 Skills You Gain from Studying PhilosophyAnalytical thinking skills. With these skills, you could be useful in a variety of careers because you can come up with numerous ideas to solve a problem. ... Communication skills. ... Critical thinking skills. ... Argumentative skills. ... Research skills.

Why should I study philosophy?

The study of philosophy enhances a person's problem-solving capacities. It helps us to analyze concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems. It contributes to our capacity to organize ideas and issues, to deal with questions of value, and to extract what is essential from large quantities of information.

Is the study of philosophy hard?

Readings for philosophy courses are generally not long, but they are difficult and challenging. You cannot expect to go through an assigned reading once and have an adequate grasp of it. Some students seem to thrive on the painstaking study required, while others simply don't have the patience for it.

What is the most important skill Learnt in philosophy?

Critical Reasoning - The ability to understand the key issues in decision-making or problem solving; to identify general principles that link related problems together; to evaluate the strength and weakness of evidence.

What are the 3 skills needed for philosophy?

Here are the top three skills you'll need to succeed in this major.Critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Being good at “logic” is about knowing how to look at a problem and reason through it. ... Reading and writing skills. ... Communication and public speaking skills.

How can philosophical skills help you succeed as a professional?

Philosophy is especially equipped to teach skills that are important for success in almost any endeavor: how to think critically, how to construct arguments and examine reasons, and how to formulate and express ideas clearly in speech and writing.

What are the outcomes of philosophy?

Outcome 1: Understand and be able to discuss major philosophicalproblems in the Western Tradition. Outcome 2: Assess arguments and philosophical perspectives usingcritical reasoning. Outcome 3: Express complex thoughts logically and coherently.

What is philosophy course?

Seriously though, philosophy courses are, in part, months-long critical thinking exercises in which you process argument after argument. From the start we’re made familiar with terms and inherent fallacies that make for bad logic or shoddy arguments. Here are just a few common fallacies of many:

Why did I become a philosophy major?

I became a philosophy major because they seemed to be having the discussions worth having. I stayed a philosophy major not because I’m seeking ultimate knowledge in these theories, but because the process of working through them leads to so much more understanding of how things work. Nothing will ever make total sense, but eventually a wordless understanding of the struggle should bring a calm and a confidence that really doesn’t lie in any theory; it might most simply be described as a hope that the struggle is worth it, or faith that no matter how awful it gets, things are as they should be and really couldn’t be any other way.

How to get better at dealing with frustration?

You will get frustrated, often, and you’ll get better at dealing with frustration. You will learn patience and humility. You’ll learn not to write anything off without giving it due consideration, you’ll learn to respect those who have come before you no matter how kooky they might look or sound now.

Do things make complete sense?

Things are never going to make complete sense. You should get used to that, because it doesn’t look likely to change any time soon. If you study philosophy, you will grow accustomed to this.

Why do we study philosophy?

Studying philosophy exposes you to more levels of meaning, more ideas, and a broader, deeper perspective on the world. This goes beyond ethics and logic to aesthetics (the study of art and what makes something beautiful), mathematics and physics (after a certain point, even the scientists rely on philosophers), free will, history, literature, neuropsychology, linguistics, politics– the list goes on and on. On a long enough time line, philosophy has a hand in everything we do. Essentially, by studying philosophy, you open up more options and more choices– more aspects to add to yourself, a greater potential to be who you are and all you possibly could be.

Why is the question "Why" important?

The question of “Why?” is important, because it is closely linked to the question of “Who?”

Why do we study ethics?

Ethics can help, though. To study ethics is to study how to make decisions. Are you interested in efficiency and bringing about the greatest amount of benefit and the least amount of harm? Do you want to uphold justice and the rights of humanity in the face of all odds? Or do you look at the big picture and wonder, what does human excellence look like, and how might we go about attaining it?

About this Course

This course will introduce you to some of the main areas of research in contemporary philosophy. Each module a different philosopher will talk you through some of the most important questions and issues in their area of expertise.

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Since 1583 the University of Edinburgh has been at the forefront of innovation in education and research. Ranked 20th in the world, we have been an international leader in online learning since our first online degree launched in 2005.

What is the curriculum for a philosophy major?

What Is the Course Curriculum for a Philosophy Major? The course curriculum for a philosophy major covers all the important areas of philosophy. Students, who are philosophy majors, may study logic, ancient philosophy, modern philosophy, ethics, reasoning, metaphysics and epistemology as part of their course curriculum. View Schools.

What is modern philosophy?

Modern Philosophy. The curriculum of a course in modern philosophy covers thinkers during the Enlightenment age, along with those of the critical, empiricist and rationalist traditions. Students study the ideas of morality, human knowledge and freedom through the works of Descartes, Spinoza, Locke, Hume and Bacon.

What is the purpose of metaphysics?

Metaphysics. Metaphysics explores the relationships between different aspects of the natural world, causation between different things and the unchanging nature of others. The curriculum covers possibility and necessity, the nature of causation, the nature of events and the idea of existence. Students study such metaphysical ideas as freedom, ...

What are the major philosophers studied in the ancient world?

Students study all the major ancient philosophers, including Stoics, Epicureans, Skeptics and the pre-Socratics, along with Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and other noted Hellenistic philosophers. Problems considered may include the self and reality.

What is logic class?

Logic courses also typically cover the basic laws of reasoning and common logical fallacies by using examples in reasoning.

What are the ethical issues in philosophy?

Students look at the ethical issues surrounding just punishment, freedom, civil disobedience, justice, distributive justice, community, rights and the relationship between law and morality. They may go on to consider current and tradition theories of freedom, duty, happiness, evil, good, wrong, right and value.

What do students study in a deductive logic class?

Students study inductive and deductive logic. They also look at methods used to determine the reliability of both types of arguments. The course goes on to consider arguments composition, arguments informal evaluation and scientific thinking.

What is philosophy class?

Philosophy classes consist mostly of such discussions, where different questions are addressed and pondered upon. Students are expected to think logically and back their opinions or theories with reason and sound arguments.

What do philosophy teachers teach?

Most philosophy teachers will teach you a little theory ; you will be taught about great philosophers, their accepted theories and why they were considered great, and what influence these theories had on the society at that time. This theory is also an important part of the class; you will learn and emulate from these theories.

How powerful is philosophy?

This will give you a sense of direction and purpose in life. Some theories and thinking might even cause a life changing reaction in you. Philosophy can be very powerful – the human mind has that potential. Some of that power could be handed down to you.

What is the skill of a philosophy student?

In the end, the skill of a philosophy student is in their ability to communicate their own worth via the creation of a wicked chain of reasoning through aesthetically pleasing communication mediums. If that is too hard for you, don’t study philosophy. Get a degree in a topic that employers want right.

Why are employers not actively seeking philosophy students?

Why are employers not actively seeking philosophy students? Because it seems to offer no specific expertise. After you get your philosophy degree, you won’t suddenly have the skill of a craftsmen (i.e., you won’t be able to create beautiful paintings) or have a certification telling the world what you can do (i.e, you are not going to become a CPA/Chartered accountant). You walk out with the ability to craft amazing argument, understand your surroundings with a level of precision that makes other dizzy, understand real knowledge from the perception of knowledge, understand how you can fool yourself, and much more.

Why do employers want employees to be in philosophy?

Employers want employees that add value to their business. This can be through selling more of their products, providing insights into their cost structure that saves them money, finding ways of negotiating win-win solutions between them and their vendors, looking at transportation of products and finding creative and cost-effective ways of transportation. Surprisingly, a philosophy graduate has the unique skill sets to reflect on all these issues and create opportunities for growth and even restraint when necessary.

Can science prove something?

Only Science can prove things as being true, such as gravity or evolution, or untrue, such as invisible magic skydaddy. It may actually make mistakes about those, but it has a self correcting mechanism that can usually counter that.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking above all else. A fluency with logical thinking, so that I don’t need to work out the details to know that ‘the barber who shaves all those and only those who do not shave themselves’ cannot exist.

Should a philosophy major spend 100% of their time on hiring?

A philosophy student should spend zero time looking for employers that hire philosophy majors and 100% of their time focusing on creating a beautifully crafted and elegantly stated argument on why you add more value than any other candidate th

What is philosophy in psychology?

Philosophy is all about exploring the different perspectives people have in their minds. This was my initial thought of what philosophy was. I knew that many of the topics that we discussed in this class would stimulate my mind.

What philosophy influenced me the most?

The philosophies that influenced me most would be epicureanism and skepticism. Epicureanism states that one should not be focused only on pleasure and that’s exactly how I feel. I like to have a good time and enjoy myself, but in moderation because that should not be what life is all about. Skepticism says that one can not know something for sure and that’s why I always like to get all the facts on hearing something before jumping to conclusions. I am the same way when it comes to meeting someone

What is the personal philosophy of leadership?

Personal Philosophy of Leadership Essay. Personal Philosophy of Leadership Being a leader is more than simply holding a leadership position or having the ability to lead. Everyone is capable of being a leader, but not everyone exercises his or her leadership abilities. Each person’s idea of leadership is different.

What are some examples of class?

It breaks down what everything is. Examples used in class are chariness, deskness, and the main one sued in class “cupness”. According to Aristotle, philosophy is the study of fundamental. Read More.

Why do people learn philosophy?

Despite the seemingly abstract nature of the questions philosophers ask, the tools philosophy teaches tend to be highly sought-after by employers. Philosophy students learn how to write clearly, and to read closely, with a critical eye; they are taught to spot bad reasoning, and how to avoid it in their writing and in their work. It is therefore not surprising that philosophy students have historically scored more highly on tests like the LSAT and GRE, on average, than almost any other discipline. Many of our students combine studying philosophy with studying other disciplines.

Why is philosophy important?

The most important reason to study philosophy is that it is of enormous and enduring interest. All of us have to answer, for ourselves, the questions asked by philosophers. In this department, students can learn how to ask the questions well, and how we might begin to develop responses. Philosophy is important, but it is also enormously enjoyable, ...

How does philosophy help us?

Philosophy uses the tools of logic and reason to analyze the ways in which humans experience the world. It teaches critical thinking, close reading, clear writing, and logical analysis; it uses these to understand the language we use to describe the world, and our place within it.

Does philosophy score higher on the LSAT or GRE?

It is therefore not surprising that philosophy students have historically scored more highly on tests like the LSAT and GRE, on average, than almost any other discipline. Many of our students combine studying philosophy with studying other disciplines.

What are the courses that are required for a philosophy major?

These "Gen Ed" courses usually include History, English, Science, Math and Philosophy. It is from this required philosophy course that most colleges derive their philosophy majors. The reason for this is because most people do not know what philosophers do or what to expect when studying philosophy. It is not until their first philosophy course ...

What are the requirements for a philosophy degree?

Most US schools providing philosophy degrees require that the student complete a set of core philosophy classes and choose a series of electives from a large offering of various philosophy electives. Most schools will require that the student complete all major courses with a "C" or better and those courses will likely include ancient philosophy, modern philosophy, symbolic logic, metaphysics and ethics. Depending on the department's leanings, the student may be required to study a foreign language, philosophy of mind or epistemology. The school may also offer tracks in which students focus their elective choices on, like ethics, philosophy of social science, philosophy of law, or logic.

What should international students expect from a philosophy school?

International students studying philosophy in the US should expect to be welcomed into the conversation . Philosophy is a discipline that studies the writing of philosophers from all over the world, both ancient and contemporary. Students who can read other languages and who bring in new and creative perspectives to classroom conversation are likely to excel. Professors are likely to welcome new sets of questions and insights brought to the school by international students. Most schools will offer tutoring and other assistance to students for whom English is a second language. Although international students will be expected to write, discourse and think with as much rigor and excellence as all of the other students, they will be welcomed and provided with as much assistance as necessary for their success, given the student is willing to work hard.

What is the most rigorous course in philosophy?

Most philosophy departments require students in their final semester to complete a capstone course which focuses on a particular philosophy or philosopher, in-depth, and is often considered to be the most rigorous course offered by the department. Students do more than just write during their philosophy degree.

What to expect in philosophy?

What to expect when studying philosophy in the US is to do a great deal of writing. Most philosophy courses are structured so students will be required to produce at least one large paper at the end of the course. It is not unusual for the students to be required to produce both a mid-course paper and a final paper. Some philosophy courses also require that the students pass exams throughout the course. Exams in philosophy are usually comprised of a series of essay questions. Most philosophy departments require students in their final semester to complete a capstone course which focuses on a particular philosophy or philosopher, in-depth, and is often considered to be the most rigorous course offered by the department.

What grade do you need to get a philosophy minor?

Most minors in most US schools require that the student complete, with a grade of a "C" or higher, at least five upper level courses in the department offering the minor. The minor courses are alongside the courses for the student's major. It is generally wise to choose a minor that will assist the student in applying his or her philosophy degree ...

How long does it take to become a philosophy major?

In the US, the philosophy major is usually a four-year major. Although the degree will likely take four years to finish, it is common for philosophy departments to encourage undergraduate philosophy majors to pursue a second major. Philosophy is often an excellent degree field in which to dual major because although the courses are rigorous, ...

What are the skills you learned in philosophy?

2. Debating skills . Debating was a big part of philosophy class. Every time we read or learned something, we would have an open discussion about it and everyone would express their viewpoint or their thoughts. We all got so much better at debating and I know that is a skill I will use a lot for the rest of my life. 3.

Why are there so many philosophical theories?

In many occasions, and in life in general, it all comes down to different perspectives and opinions. That’s why there are so many philosophical theories, everyone had their own viewpoint and nobody was necessarily right or wrong.

How to learn different viewpoints?

I learned how to read a text and not just accept everything it says, but interpret it and consider other viewpoints. That’s what the philosopher’s job comes down to anyway-- questioning what you know and what you learn. 2.