Re: philosophy

Mike Hardie (hardie@globalserve.net)
Tue, 24 Nov 1998 16:01:57 -0800

>Mike, I agree with everything you say about philosophy but I question
>the practicality of a philosophy major. It might make a good minor
>field,
>one that would be enriching and would help with other fields. But
>consider
>that being a philosopher and being a philosophy teacher are different
>things. Jobs are few and go to people from the more prestigious schools,
>or to Europeans with capabilities in classical and modern languages that
>you are unlikely to have. I think a scientist with a flair for
>philosophy
>will be a better researcher and writer. But a philosopher with a flair
>for
>science won't get much respect, as he won't have earned his stripes as a
>scientist.

You're quite right about the utility of a philosophy degree. Frankly, at
this point, all I know for sure is that philosophy makes a terrific
undergrad degree, and that I like it far more than any other academic
discipline I've been exposed to. I'll worry about that "job" stuff later.
;) In the meantime, I am a contract webpage designer, and I make do.
(Well... barely.)

Basically, I agree with what John Rylander said on the subject. Philosophy
is great for improving your "mental fitness", although it doesn't
necessarily give you some lucrative career in which to exercise it. But
let's not frown at the necessity of good mental fitness. (Hey, without it,
you might end up like ol' Ed Brayton, listening to Rush and watching Pro
Wrestling!)

Cheers,

Mike Hardie
<hardie@globalserve.net>
http://www.globalserve.net/~hardie/dv/