What is Philosophy? By the Way, What Can I Do With this Degree Once I Graduate?

Philosophy is from the Greek word philosophia, or quite simply, “friend of wisdom.”

To be a friend of philosophy, then, is certainly to seek understanding of the history and development of philosophy as it engages the world, but more notably it is to take up the question, “How do I live philosophically, ethically or in ways that make a difference?”

Seen in this light, philosophy examines basic issues in all fields and explores connections among diverse areas of life. The major intersects with questions such as:  How can humans gain knowledge about their world? What is the ethical treatment of research animals? When should a nation go to war? Is it ever justified?

Philosophers ask about the nature of the human person. Are there moral, aesthetic, and religious values that can be adopted rationally and used to guide our decisions? Philosophy majors have gone on to practice law, study science, enter the world of business or journalism.

It's  a major that opens up a world of questions and possibilities. Read this story about Lindsey Webb, whose degree led her to study the great apes in Tanzania.