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Philosophy, should I?

Should I major in philosophy? It has been a subject that I adore and I think I wouldn't have fun with other majors. I studied philosophy in my fun time and Ethics was my favorite class. Everyone's reactions to this major are making me question. Is it worth majoring in what I feel so passionate about?

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Marylou’s Answer

I too, am passionate about philosophy. To this day. However, I didn’t see a way, at the time, to turn it into a job. So, my degree is in education with a philosophy, minor. I do find that I use philosophy a lot in my teaching.

Major in philosophy. Take other courses in things that interest you, for discovery purposes. You may find something, and remember that you can always change your major. Explore. Be curious. And as the great philosopher, Joseph Campbell said wisely, “Follow your Bliss”. (I had the great good fortune to have met him. He was a major consultant for Star Wars. Probably the smartest person I ever met, and also the nicest.) I strongly recommend his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces.

All the best to you.
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Matty’s Answer

I wholeheartedly support delving into subjects that ignite your passion. Regardless of job opportunities or industry demands, you'll sidestep the remorse that comes from not pursuing your passions wholeheartedly. Always be aware of your situation and avoid getting trapped in a position from which you can't escape, because it's important to maintain a reasonable lifestyle. Your passion for philosophy suggests that you would put in extra effort to succeed in this field, driven by your love for it. Passions are powerful motivators, far more effective than things we are indifferent about or that fail to spark our enthusiasm.
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Dr’s Answer

It seems like the consensus here is to follow your passion and to major in philosophy. Although I wholeheartedly agree with the "follow your passion" part, I disagree with the choice as a major. Your passion and your major do not need to be in complete alignment. Your passion is your love. It's what you do in your spare time. It's fun. If you major in something or do something for a living, it might kill your passion because you won't be doing it out of love but rather because it's expected of you.

Your major is what will position you better for the workplace, or to land that first job that will help build a career. Why would you need to major in philosophy? There are plenty of resources out there, books and even guided courses online or in person (if you need such structure), to continue learning philosophy. You can even get a syllabus from a philosophy professor and follow that yourself, or even ask if you can sit in or audit some philosophy classes. There are also philosophy groups to join. The point is, you don't need to major in it to still have it as a major interest. On the other hand, you should at least "like" what you major in but you don't need to love it like do with philosophy.
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Will’s Answer

Hi Ava,

Welcome to CareerVillage and great job posting your first question here!

It's a blessing for someone who can major in a subject he/she feels so passionate about. I am assuming that some questions related to Philosophy major are focusing on career opportunities. If so, here are some directions to consider:

Certainly! Here are the career opportunities for someone majoring in philosophy categorized into three buckets:

1. Academia and Research Roles:
- Professor or Lecturer in Philosophy or related fields
- Researcher or Scholar in Philosophy or related disciplines

2. Analytical and Critical Thinking Roles:
- Lawyer or Legal Professional
- Management Consultant
- Journalist or Writer
- Policy Analyst or Researcher
- Ethical Consultant or Advisor

3. Social Impact and Advocacy Roles:
- Non-profit Organization Manager or Staff Member
- Advocacy Group Coordinator or Activist
- Government or Public Service Professional
- Social Entrepreneur

Please note that many career paths above may require additional education, training, or experience beyond a philosophy degree.

Best luck!
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Aaron’s Answer

Pursue your passion wholeheartedly. Opting for a seemingly 'practical' alternative won't necessarily bring you happiness. In the professional world, the presence of a college degree often holds more weight than the specific field of study. This is due to the fact that earning a degree demonstrates commitment and perseverance. In instances where individuals obtain 'practical' degrees, they frequently need to undergo additional training. This is because the pace of technological advancements and industry standards often outstrips that of education.

Armed with a philosophy degree, you have the opportunity to secure a job that genuinely piques your interest. A philosophy degree can be leveraged into a variety of careers, including teaching, contributing to think tanks, and working in marketing roles.
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Robert’s Answer

Hi Ava,
Philosophy and ethics are fascinating subjects that I too enjoy. Let me add something that I learned along the way in my various careers. Folks used to say, “Do what you love and the money will follow.” This isn’t always true. I’ve known folks who loved to knit and to study the Civil War. But they did not earn enough to support their lifestyle and wound up taking “day jobs.” I’d say, “Do what you love that others will pay for ….(unless you’re already financially self-sufficient).” Will’s 3 categories of professions offer some great careers. I’ve worked with philosophy majors in hospitals who were part of the Ethics Committee. And some of those members had paid positions and other not. So yes, follow your passion and go for philosophy!
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