Is philosophy a hard college major?

Asked by: Mr. Gayle Labadie  |  Last update: August 27, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (3 votes)

Philosophy is a challenging major. To do well in philosophy classes, one must be intellectually curious, and also be willing to work hard.

Is philosophy an easy class in college?

You will have to read and think critically and carefully to do so effectively. This may be more difficult with certain philosophers because of their writing style. For instance, Immanuel Kant is famously difficult to understand partly because of his eccentric writing style.

Is philosophy a good college major?

Philosophy Pays

In fact, Wall Street Journal data (from PayScale) shows that by mid-career, philosophy majors surpass many other fields that tend to have higher starting salaries. Philosophy majors, on average, increase their salaries 102% from starting to mid-career. But don't just take it from us.

Is it worth taking philosophy in college?

Graduate Study

The philosophy major is also exceptional training for many other post-graduate paths, such as law school. In fact, statistics indicate that philosophy majors perform very well on standardized tests for post-graduate and professional study.

Why is a philosophy degree hard?

Philosophy is Hard Because of Intangibility

In our first-person experiences, thought is neither like a chair nor a book; we deal most intimately with something which eludes the senses. That alone can prove a great challenge, for thinking is in many ways synonymous with fighting while blindfolded.

Is a Philosophy Degree Worth It?

34 related questions found

How hard is philosophy in college?

Philosophy is a challenging major. To do well in philosophy classes, one must be intellectually curious, and also be willing to work hard.

What is the hardest degree?

What are the hardest degrees in the world? Ranked by Experts
  • Chartered Accountancy.
  • Astrophysics.
  • Quantum Mechanics.
  • Law.
  • Aerospace/ Aeronautical Studies, Engineering.
  • Biomedical Studies, Neurosciences, Biochemistry.
  • Nursing.
  • Dentistry, Medicine.

Is math or philosophy harder?

In this sense, philosophy can be much harder than math, because it's often more difficult to have that level of precision. But there are exceptions where mathematics can be similarly imprecise. There's an example from the early 1800s that's notorious.

What are 3 benefits of studying philosophy?

The study of philosophy helps us to enhance our ability to solve problems, our communication skills, our persuasive powers, and our writing skills. Below is a description of how philosophy helps us develop these various important skills.

What is a college philosophy class like?

Students will discuss, think deeply about, read about, and write about questions concerning God's existence, the existence of the soul, the nature of free will, the process of science, the meaning of the law, the nature of language, the existence of art and morality.

Do you have to be smart to major in philosophy?

Philosophy majors enjoy some of the highest scores on graduate-level exams (for example, GRE, LSAT, GMAT, and MCAT). In addition, if you include high school students who say they plan to study philosophy, they also do extremely well on the SATs and ACTs.

What is majoring in philosophy like?

Philosophy majors explore intellectual, political, and social theories about human existence and interaction. Studying philosophy builds critical thinking, writing, and communication skills. By learning to analyze and solve problems, philosophy majors can succeed in business, education, and technology careers.

What major goes well with philosophy?

Majors in Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, English, Modern Languages, Criminal Justice, and the natural sciences can usefully combine their studies with a double major in philosophy. These majors need just 33 credits in philosophy to earn a double major.

How do you pass college philosophy?

How To Do Well in a College (Philosophy) Class
  1. Take responsibility for all of your duties as a student.
  2. Record all assignment due dates.
  3. Get to work on assignments early.
  4. Seek out help and guidance on assignments from the instructor.
  5. Don't miss class.
  6. Don't skip assignments.
  7. Take good notes.

How should a beginner study philosophy?

How to study philosophy: 6 tips for self-learners
  1. 1) Start from a position of ignorance.
  2. 2) Expect to go slowly.
  3. 3) Read when you are most alert.
  4. 4) Pick whatever interests you the most.
  5. 5) Get a philosophical dictionary.
  6. 6) Familiarize yourself with the history of Western Thought.

How can I do well in college philosophy?

Tips for being a philosophy student at university
  1. Spend idle time thinking rather than distracting yourself. The world around us is rife with distractions. ...
  2. Argue in good faith whenever possible. This is a practice that can be employed across several other disciplines, like political science. ...
  3. Read as much as you can.

Is philosophy a tough subject?

Philosophy can be a challenging and complicated subject to study, but one which can help you to 'learn better. ' It's likely your course content will have you tackling a variety of difficult matters and challenging ideas.

What do philosophy majors do?

Philosophy majors are commonly found working for non-profit organizations where they can pursue their interest in ethics and social or political philosophy and practice their writing and speaking skills. The average annual salary for a non-profit worker is approximately $47,000.

What are the top 5 reasons to study philosophy?

Five reasons to study Philosophy
  • An intellectually stimulating subject. Philosophy tries to answer all of the most challenging questions in existence. ...
  • Course combinations. ...
  • Study year abroad opportunities. ...
  • Multiple transferable skills. ...
  • Many career pathways.

What college has the hardest math class?

Math 55 is a two-semester long freshman undergraduate mathematics course at Harvard University founded by Lynn Loomis and Shlomo Sternberg. The official titles of the course are Studies in Algebra and Group Theory (Math 55a) and Studies in Real and Complex Analysis (Math 55b).

Which is harder physics or philosophy?

From a difficulty perspective, studying physics is significantly harder than studying something like philosophy. Therefore, if you want to approach both aspects, it's safe to say that your will need to invest longer time in the study of physics.

What's the hardest math in university?

While Advanced Calculus may be the most difficult math class, Algebra takes a close second. Half of the students who take a college-level Algebra class fail.

What is the number 1 hardest degree?

Leading the list of the hardest degrees known to man is aerospace engineering. The coursework is extremely difficult as it requires a firm understanding of anything from mathematics, physics to chemistry and from computer languages and computer programming.

What is the easiest college degree to get?

What Are the Easiest College Majors of 2023?
  • Journalism.
  • Liberal Arts.
  • Linguistics.
  • Music.
  • Religious Studies.
  • Social Work.
  • Sociology.
  • Visual and Performing Arts.

What are the rarest degrees?

Here are some of the best, most unusual subjects you can study at university:
  • Viticulture and Oenology. ...
  • Horology. ...
  • Air Transport with Helicopter Training. ...
  • Ethical Hacking. ...
  • Brewing and Distilling. ...
  • Ethnobotany. ...
  • Animal Behaviour and Psychology. ...
  • Baking Science and Technology.