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What is the most interesting branch of Philosophy and/or opens the most opportunities for jobs? #Spring25
I’m a senior in high school and plan on studying philosophy at the University of Utah next year! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! #Spring25
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Federico’s Answer
Hi Ashlynn,
I’m a researcher with a Ph.D. in Philosophy.
My humble suggestion is to reframe your question. Philosophy is, in many ways, a unique subject because it connects with almost every other discipline. It engages with science, STEM, medicine, anthropology, politics, geography, etc., you name it, and philosophy has something to say about it.
While this makes philosophy incredibly fascinating, it also makes it harder to position within the corporate world in many cases. At the same time, it can be a real asset if you understand how to leverage it.
So, my personal advice is this:
– If you already know what kind of job or industry you’d like to work in, ask yourself: “How can studying philosophy help me reach that goal? Which branch of philosophy could be best fitting if there's one?”
– If you’re still unsure about your future career path, ask yourself: “Which branch of philosophy interests me the most? Which one would I like to explore and deepen?”
I hope my answer helps in some way.
Good luck!
I’m a researcher with a Ph.D. in Philosophy.
My humble suggestion is to reframe your question. Philosophy is, in many ways, a unique subject because it connects with almost every other discipline. It engages with science, STEM, medicine, anthropology, politics, geography, etc., you name it, and philosophy has something to say about it.
While this makes philosophy incredibly fascinating, it also makes it harder to position within the corporate world in many cases. At the same time, it can be a real asset if you understand how to leverage it.
So, my personal advice is this:
– If you already know what kind of job or industry you’d like to work in, ask yourself: “How can studying philosophy help me reach that goal? Which branch of philosophy could be best fitting if there's one?”
– If you’re still unsure about your future career path, ask yourself: “Which branch of philosophy interests me the most? Which one would I like to explore and deepen?”
I hope my answer helps in some way.
Good luck!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
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Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Ashlynn!
Congratulations on your decision to study philosophy at the University of Utah! That's such an exciting step! Seeing someone who is enthusiastic about big ideas and critical thinking is fantastic, especially when they enter college. Studying philosophy can help you develop critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities that are highly sought after in a variety of professions.
Depending on your own interests, the most interesting branch will differ greatly. If you are interested in issues related to human rights, justice, and society, political philosophy may be very interesting to you. It addresses issues that are highly important in the modern world, such as the nature of governments, liberty, equality, and the law. Political philosophy is one of the most applicable fields in terms of employment prospects, with many students choosing to pursue degrees in law, public policy, or international relations.
Logic and ethics (moral philosophy) are also excellent options if you're interested in employment opportunities. In areas such as bioethics, business, technology, and medicine, ethics plays a crucial role in assisting practitioners in resolving ethical issues in practical situations. However, logic is a great way to get ready for jobs in computer science, law, and even artificial intelligence.
Another excellent pre-law major is philosophy. Indeed, philosophy majors often rank among the top scorers on the LSAT, and law schools value candidates who can make compelling arguments and reflect carefully on logic and fairness.
Early on in your journey, make an effort to maintain your curiosity and be open to exploring new branches. Academics, lawyers, IT, non-profits, business, and even creative writing or journalism are just a few of the fields in which philosophy might lead. Additional chances can arise by combining your philosophy degree with writing projects, internships, or a second major or minor (such as computer science, economics, or political science).
You'll do incredible things at Utah, therefore I'm wishing you luck! Never stop asking questions.
Best wishes!
Congratulations on your decision to study philosophy at the University of Utah! That's such an exciting step! Seeing someone who is enthusiastic about big ideas and critical thinking is fantastic, especially when they enter college. Studying philosophy can help you develop critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities that are highly sought after in a variety of professions.
Depending on your own interests, the most interesting branch will differ greatly. If you are interested in issues related to human rights, justice, and society, political philosophy may be very interesting to you. It addresses issues that are highly important in the modern world, such as the nature of governments, liberty, equality, and the law. Political philosophy is one of the most applicable fields in terms of employment prospects, with many students choosing to pursue degrees in law, public policy, or international relations.
Logic and ethics (moral philosophy) are also excellent options if you're interested in employment opportunities. In areas such as bioethics, business, technology, and medicine, ethics plays a crucial role in assisting practitioners in resolving ethical issues in practical situations. However, logic is a great way to get ready for jobs in computer science, law, and even artificial intelligence.
Another excellent pre-law major is philosophy. Indeed, philosophy majors often rank among the top scorers on the LSAT, and law schools value candidates who can make compelling arguments and reflect carefully on logic and fairness.
Early on in your journey, make an effort to maintain your curiosity and be open to exploring new branches. Academics, lawyers, IT, non-profits, business, and even creative writing or journalism are just a few of the fields in which philosophy might lead. Additional chances can arise by combining your philosophy degree with writing projects, internships, or a second major or minor (such as computer science, economics, or political science).
You'll do incredible things at Utah, therefore I'm wishing you luck! Never stop asking questions.
Best wishes!
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Ashlynn:
Tough one! Not sure how to answer this. A good friend's son who has a PhD in Philosophy and has taught for years is having a tough time finding a new job. He is looking in the higher education field but it has been tough.
However I noted that there philosophy jobs in ethics in government and corporate world. I do not think he has explored these jobs but they are worth you looking into. Google philosophy jobs and see what comes up!
As thge ancient philosphers always taught: "know thyself". You do this and you'll be fine! Good luck!
Tough one! Not sure how to answer this. A good friend's son who has a PhD in Philosophy and has taught for years is having a tough time finding a new job. He is looking in the higher education field but it has been tough.
However I noted that there philosophy jobs in ethics in government and corporate world. I do not think he has explored these jobs but they are worth you looking into. Google philosophy jobs and see what comes up!
As thge ancient philosphers always taught: "know thyself". You do this and you'll be fine! Good luck!