The Philosophy Guide You Always Wanted

I’ve studied philosophy in school and university and I must say that there’s still so much to learn!

It’s a fascinating subject but can also be a bit complicated sometimes — especially if you’ve just started looking into it.

Now, every time I discuss philosophy with someone, I get the same questions over and over again. I decided to gather all of them in this article and give you some simple but also satisfying answers in regards to philosophy both as a subject and as an activity.

#1. Are Philosophy Degrees Useless?

When it comes to philosophy and philosophy degrees, this is one of the most frequently asked questions.

I’m gonna start by saying that no degree is ever useless and those who believe that have probably no understanding whatsoever of philosophy as a subject and higher education in general. It is important that everyone acknowledges that the primary focus of education isn’t job placement, something that many people find too hard to understand.

Also, asking if a degree is useless can be insulting to many people. Nevertheless, if you take into consideration that philosophy teaches you critical thinking, how to ask questions, and explore everything in detail, you’ll see yourself that a philosophy degree is far from useless. It is great preparation for any career and can benefit you in any field you choose to work in.

#2. Are Philosophy Classes Hard?

The answer to this question is completely subjective. Some find them easy, some find them hard. It depends on the way you think, the level of your patience, how dedicated you are, etc.

Writing from personal experience, I’d say that there are classes more challenging than others while some philosophical theories are more difficult to understand. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t say philosophy is hard. It just demands a specific way of thinking. Each and every one of us can be a philosopher.

#3. Can Philosophy Be Proven?

Many people see philosophy as an endless activity of asking questions, never reaching a clear conclusion. So, it's natural for them to ask whether philosophy can ever be proven.

Since philosophers can’t conduct physical experiments in order to prove or disprove their theories as scientists do, it’s hard to find convincing arguments that prove the truth of a certain conclusion. What is more, an argument that seems valid in a specific area/topic might not work in a similar one.

Philosophy can provide us with some rational explanations of the way the world works, but counter-arguments can always be found. Taking all of the above into consideration, I’d say that no, philosophy cannot be proven.

Can anything else be proven though? For something to be finalized in every aspect as the ideal, is almost impossible not only in philosophy but in every field. Don’t scientists continually change their old theories, developing new ones?

#4. Can Philosophy and Religion Coexist?

Well, I don’t see why they shouldn’t. They have, of course, a completely different approach to the world. Philosophy has to do with reason whereas religion has to do with faith.

The former doubts and questions, whereas the latter accepts and blindly believes. Nevertheless, they aren’t mutually exclusive. Philosophy isn’t disapproving of religion and, on the other hand, religion doesn’t declare that people shouldn’t engage in philosophical activity.

#5. Why Study Philosophy?

Despite philosophy’s abstract nature, there are many valuable skills it can teach you, skills that are of great use in any field. It would take too long to make a list of all of them. Instead, I’m gonna mention the most important ones.

First of all, philosophy teaches you critical thinking and logical analysis, tools it uses in order to pose questions and understand the world around us.

Furthermore, it teaches you to distinguish between good and bad reasoning, strong and weak arguments while also making it easier for you to build and defend your views. Finally, since writing is taught thoroughly in philosophy, you enhance your writing skills by learning proper structure and technique.

#6. Can Philosophy Change the World?

Philosophy can change both the world and the way we see the world. We know that it analyzes ideas that shape the world, the social order, and therefore the way humans think and act. Should philosophers present some strong, valid arguments about why these ideas should be changed, they can definitely contribute to changing the world.

#7. Can Philosophy Drive You Insane?

Although this question can at first seem weird, it is actually a very interesting one. Since philosophy is all about doubting, asking and searching for answers, it can make you doubt and over analyze your understanding of reality, the world around you and even your own existence.

Concepts such as the universe, the mind, states, or societies are very complex and deep. Let’s not forget the famous saying by Socrates, “the only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing”.

The thing is that questioning and re-questioning can result in you desperately running around in circles. Thus, it is important that, when we engage in philosophical questions, we learn to control and manage the scale and the frequency of this engagement.

Philosophy is written in this grand book, the universe, which stands continually open to our gaze. But the book cannot be understood unless one first learns to comprehend the language and read the letters in which it is composed.

— Galileo Galilei