Why Philosophy?

What Do Philosophers Do? Philosophy can prepare the major for a career in education, computers, psychology, theology, and in philosophy itself. The focus on logic, reasoning, and argumentation also makes philosophy an ideal major for those planning legal careers. There is also a growing need for philosophers to work as ethicists in hospitals and other medical settings. Psychology majors can add a philosophy major as a way of preparing for graduate study in cognitive science or related fields; philosophy gives one the ability to deal with the difficult conceptual issues involved in understanding the mind.

You Might Want to Consider Majoring in Philosophy:

If you are interested in the search for life's meaning.

If you are not satisfied with the worldviews offered by science, by the different religious, political, or economic orientations, and would like to explore alternative worldviews, or begin to develop your own worldview.

If you are interested in thinking about difficult and challenging problems, problems without a ready-made solution.

If you are interested in ethics. Philosophers study ethics concerning the environment, as well as ethics in business and medicine.

If you are interested in law. The rigorous logic and argumentation of philosophy is the closest thing to legal reasoning and argumentation available at the undergraduate level.

If you are interested in theology. Philosophy provides an alternative perspective on the world?s religions, and critically assesses claims about God (or Gods) and faith.

If you are interested in psychology. Philosophers attempt to understanding the mind and our conscious mental lives at a broad, inclusive level, and work on one of the hardest problems of our time: The problem of consciousness.

Regardless of personal motives for initiating one?s pursuit of philosophy, some general competencies are instilled in all students of the discipline. Critical thinking skills are the primary quality developed. Logical thought patterns and the ability to reason coherently also become prominent features of Philosophy students.

Consider Philosophy as a Second Major

Philosophy makes a good second major for those in the sciences, since it broadens their education with study in a related humanities discipline. One is typically at the very limits of one's knowledge and ability to think when approaching a philosophical problem. For this reason, just as physical exercise is difficult but good for your body, thinking about philosophical problems is difficult, but good for your brain.

The Philosophy Major at Elmhurst

Philosophy students here at Elmhurst College enjoy small classroom size, individualized attention from the faculty, and a wealth of available courses and flexibility in crafting their own education. The requirement for Philosophy majors is merely six courses, including Ancient Philosophy, Modern Philosophy and Contemporary Philosophy. This generous but Spartan set of requirements also allows the ambitious student the opportunity to complete a double major.

The Philosophy Minor

If the six courses is too much of a burden in addition to your other major, you can choose to minor in Philosophy. Four courses are required in that case, including Ancient and Modern Philosophy.

Philosophy General Education Courses

If you need to meet General Education requirements, you can also benefit from Philosophy courses. The Writing and Reasoning, Search For Humane Values, and Western Culture requirements can all be satisfied by Philosophy courses. Consult the college catalogue for details on course requirements.

What Can Philosophy Do For You?

It can make you a critical thinker, rather than somebody?s puppet. You will be a better "consumer" of the media.

It can give you the ability to speak for yourself, and defend your ideas in public with cogent, clear reasons.

It can improve your writing by allowing you to use words more carefully and precisely. You will be able to get to the heart of issues more quickly and discard irrelevant material.

It can open you up to alternative worldviews and ways of thinking.

You will gain an appreciation for the great thinkers and ideas throughout history. You will be able to place current ideas into historical perspective.