career as a Philosopher

[Lexlike]

How of you want to pursuit a career as a philosopher or is studying philosophy?
As a philosopher, how are chances for a good job?

[Magic Poriferan]

Majoring in philosophy is my back-up plan if it turns out that I suck too much at mathematics. It is not one my two primariy aims, though.

In the USA, philosophy basically helps you get a job teaching philosophy. Other than that, it is only as useful as any other generic degree. Getting a degree in philosophy is not what most people would call a "career decision".

[Lexlike]

Originally Posted by Magic Poriferan

Majoring in philosophy is my back-up plan if it turns out that I suck too much at mathematics. It is not one my two primariy aims, though.

In the USA, philosophy basically helps you get a job teaching philosophy. Other than that, it is only as useful as any other generic degree. Getting a degree in philosophy is not what most people would call a "career decision".

true. In Europe it isn t different. So there is not much more what you can do but teaching philosophy? what about psychology??
btw thx for the help!

[Peguy]

Yes, only by teaching philosophy does one gain the recognition of officially being a "philosopher". Nevermind that numerous great minds were never academics themselves.

An alternative route would go into certain areas of journalism which explore philosophical issues. Numerous "philosophers" engaged in that.

[Magic Poriferan]

Originally Posted by Lexlike

what about psychology??

Well, here, psychology is very often distinguished as its own category. Because of that, people rarely get into psychology through philosophy. You have to take courses specifically for psychology.

[Peguy]

Unless you get into Phenomenology, which deals alot with the interrelation between human consciousness and philosophy.

[Lexlike]

Originally Posted by Magic Poriferan

Well, here, psychology is very often distinguished as its own category. Because of that, people rarely get into psychology through philosophy. You have to take courses specifically for psychology.

No, i actually meant the career chances after studying psychology? Are they any better?

[Recoleta]

Originally Posted by Lexlike

No, i actually meant the career chances after studying psychology? Are they any better?

From what I have seen from my friends (3-4 of them) who studied psychology their chances of getting a job aren't really any better than anyone else with a Bachelor's degree. Psychology when coupled with another degree (like law/criminal justice, journalism, or perhaps business) looks good, but truthfully, a psychology degree by itself isn't too valuable unless you plan to further study psychology at the graduate level with the intention of becoming a counselor, teacher, or psychologist. But that's just my opinion.

[Lexlike]

Originally Posted by Recoleta

From what I have seen from my friends (3-4 of them) who studied psychology their chances of getting a job aren't really any better than anyone else with a Bachelor's degree. Psychology when coupled with another degree (like law/criminal justice, journalism, or perhaps business) looks good, but truthfully, a psychology degree by itself isn't too valuable unless you plan to further study psychology at the graduate level with the intention of becoming a counselor, teacher, or psychologist. But that's just my opinion.

Well, if I would start to study (philosphy or psychology) i would try to finish til the master titel (do not know if you call it in the Usa also this way)... i m studying law, but as a true xNxP you always look for possibilities

[heart]

Somehow I think it all depends on whether you want to pursue your own independent thought where it leads or whether you want to be a mouthpiece for a modern think-tank.

Do you like to grind lenses?