Why Philosophy?

Even if you have no formal exposure to philosophy, there is a good chance you have already thought about the answers to some of the most important philosophical questions at some point in your life. “What is out there?” “What does it mean to know?” “How should we live?” Our answers to these questions help shape the way we interact with the world on a daily basis. Philosophy is a chance to seek these answers for yourself. Philosophy can also be of value to you in several ways:

Improved Academic Performance

Philosophy can set you up for academic success by honing your skills in analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, logical argumentation, and independent thinking. One study found that philosophy programs help young students improve their reasoning, discussion, and logical argumentation skills. Another study found that students who study philosophy also tend to perform higher on the Cognitive Reflection Test which measures problem-solving skills.

Philosophy can be
a deeply personal enterprise and engaging in it means putting yourself into your work.

Enhanced Civic Engagement

Philosophy demands that we examine our own biases and strive to understand the perspectives of others. It emphasizes that behind every idea is an individual with their own history and that this history is integral to truly understanding their thoughts. In this way, philosophy prepares you to better negotiate a world that’s often marked by conflict and partisan tensions and helps you develop robust and nuanced understandings of the world, while also imparting the tools necessary for fruitful contribution to civil discourse.

Personal Growth

Answers to philosophical questions are rarely clear-cut. Philosophy can be a deeply personal enterprise and engaging in it means putting yourself into your work. It teaches you to

be self- critical, which, in time, gives way to greater self-confidence. Numerous studies link studying philosophy to socio-emotional growth, independent thinking, and positive self- esteem.