Want A Career In Philosophy? Here Is Everything You Need to Know

Philosophy as a subject is not only the art of answering questions but also about asking difficult questions that no other field tackles. After all, Socrates, a Greek thinker, rightly said that the unexamined life is not worth living. So, let us examine the scope and importance of a career in philosophy.

The subject has transformed human thinking, and consequently, societies, with its respect for human dignity and diversity. It seeks to give shape to abstract ideas and to provide a human interpretation of life, existence, morality, reality, knowledge, and other intangible concepts. It is rightly said that science is what we do know, but philosophy is what we don’t know - it's about delving into the complexities of the human mind and emotions, making it a popular choice amongst students. If you too are interested in a career in philosophy, keep reading as we explore this field of study and its importance and scope. 

Philosophy as a subject

According to eminent scientist Albert Einstein, philosophy is the science of knowledge. The subject is inherently meta with constant reflections of how we think, the way the world works, and the logic through which we construct knowledge. A degree and a consequent career in philosophy is indispensable for our ability to understand other disciplines. Many important questions about a discipline, such as the nature of its concepts and its relation to other academic fields, are philosophical in nature.

Frankly speaking, education and thus a career in philosophy is what liberal arts aspire to be, with its approach to learning that empowers individuals and prepares them to deal with complexity, diversity, and change. It promotes an in-depth study of other fields by developing sound methods of research and analysis, hence improving general communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. 

Moreover, employers often look for skills that a career in philosophy can help foster. Having strong communication and problem-solving skills, along with critical reasoning and analytical thinking abilities are attractive to employers. Another reason why you should consider studying philosophy is that the income you generate with philosophy career options is much higher than you expect! A subject that originated centuries ago in Greece has contemporary importance across various careers and subjects. 

Studying philosophy in India

If you are interested in pursuing a career in philosophy and have an inquisitive mind with sharp analytical skills, then India is filled with premier universities that provide one-of-a-kind courses in this dynamic subject. Some of the universities you can consider to kickstart your career in philosophy are as followed:

1. Delhi University 

Over the past few years, DU has established itself as a place of holistic learning, with over 80 academic departments and more than 7 lakh students. This department began as a combined Department of Philosophy and Psychology in the year 1953, and later on, became an independent department. in 1962. Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Miranda House, and Hindu College are known for encouraging students to pursue career opportunities in philosophy. 

2. Christ University, Bangalore 

The Christ University is known for providing a comprehensive synthesis of various philosophical disciplines to develop a critical and analytical approach to all major areas of human inquiry, hence providing a holistic perspective to your career in philosophy. It provides a degree at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels for pursuing various philosophy career options. 

3. Madras Christian College, Chennai

Madras Christian College is a premier and prestigious institute of higher education that provides excellence in the fields of Arts and Science, with an excellent placement record. Their Department of Philosophy has a rich history, with it being established back in 1865 as the Department of Moral & Mental Science. They aim to transform the thought process of students by structuring and balancing it out and thus helping them succeed in their careers. They also help students exlpore various philosophy career options. 

4. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi

Pursuing philosophy from IGNOU in distance learning mode is intended not only to enhance career prospects for students but also to train the mind for better logical thinking, mental discipline, the ability for analysis and synthesis, and critical reflection on social and political realities. If you are looking for a reputed yet flexible program, then IGNOU is the right choice to go ahead with your career in philosophy. 

5. Fergusson College, Pune

Established in 1885, the department is the oldest Philosophy Department in the city and offers a course in Philosophy as a subject on the special level for the degree of B.A and Logic as a subject on the general level. They believe in engaging with the students on a practical level, with regular interactive sessions and presentations. The "Socratic Association” which was founded in 1915 runs activities throughout the year which are primarily academic in nature and conducted by the students and for the students. 

Some other colleges which you can consider for kick-starting your career in philosophy or other liberal arts degrees are K.J. Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce (Mumbai), Presidency University (Kolkata), and IIT Kanpur. 

Philosophy Career Options

Once you have secured for yourself a degree in philosophy, you can venture onto any career field with a diverse set of job opportunities. There is no particular vocation tailor-made for a philosopher, though writing, teaching, and researching are often the preferred destinations. 

1. Human resources 

A career in philosophy is helpful in developing the skills required to efficiently work in HR. Since philosophy students are better at balancing out empathy and compassion with workplace professionalism and weigh the pros and cons of any situation from all angles, HR is one a popular philosophy career option. 

2. Counsellor/ mediator

A career in philosophy allows you to think for yourself and to analyze and comprehend ideas clearly and logically, which is why counseling and mediating are recommended job profiles. A career in philosophy with counseling or mediation requires you to be a good listener with excellent communication skills and to be able to parse and decipher what’s really occurring between two or more potentially hostile parties.

3. Journalism and writing 

Journalism and other writing endeavors rely on strong communication, along with the ability to synthesize complex information and translate technical jargon in an intelligible manner, making it the perfect career in philosophy to pursue. A philosophy degree encourages and refines these skills. Individuals with a background in philosophy who are interested in entering this industry can find work as reporters, broadcasters, news correspondents, and media analysts.

4. Academia and research 

To launch your career in philosophy, you can enter the field of academics and research by becoming a professor. After all, teachers need to be good at conveying complicated terms, concepts, and ideas to their students. A philosophy-trained teacher will be able to articulate and express complex ideas and terms, making almost all subjects accessible and within reach for all their students. 

5. Advertising and marketing 

The marketing and advertising industry rely heavily on strong communication skills and clear deductive reasoning. Philosophy graduates who are comfortable with the written and spoken word stand to benefit the most from this landscape, as do those with a keen sense for developing cogent, logical arguments for public consumption while tackling societal issues in the same breath. Pursuing a career in philosophy can help you find employment as an editor, copywriter, advertising manager, art director, and marketing consultant.

Philosophy has the quality of being dynamic yet fundamental to the way life works, making it a popular subject choice amongst young students. The only thing you need to do is keep asking questions, and light up the inquisitive side you possess!

If you found this article interesting, then check out the following links:

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3. Clinical Psychologist - As a career option
4. Be the change you want to see with these careers at United Nations!