FACULTY OF ARTS
School of Philosophy
Possible Careers
Prospective philosophy students often ask what possible career opportunities the study of philosophy holds for them. Because philosophy teaches one, among other things, to think systematically and critically, to formulate questions and reason logically, philosophy offers excellent preparation for a variety of professional careers. It gives you a foundation for a career in law, business, teaching, theology, creative writing, public administration and many more.
The kind of skills that the study of philosophy helps to develop are:
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analysing, developing and formulating problems logically
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generating ideas about a variety of problems
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formulating and solving problems
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exposing presuppositions and suggesting alternatives
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distinguishing subtle differences without missing the similarities
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making informed dicisions and investigating the implications thoroughly
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investigating different approaches to a specific subject
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writing and speaking clearly and effectively
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interpreting and evaluating diverse thinking and theories.
Philosophy can therefore be seen as a skill that can be transferred very competently to a variety of professions. With the emphasis on discourse and argumentation, philosophy as major can be a good preparation for, among other things, the following career opportunities:
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law
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theology and religion
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banking
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publishing
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journalism
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public management
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counselling/psychology
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marketing
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academia
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consultation
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social work
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policy writing
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teaching
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librarianship
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politics
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research
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labour relations
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arts and languages
The information above about career opportunities with philosophy comes from the webpage of the University of Kentucky in the USA. It can be visited at: “Where can philosophy take me”.
Other webpages about career opportunities with philosophy are:
The Cronicle of Higher Education