Philosophy provides a foundation difficult to get otherwise, as the
sloppiness of often exceptionally bright but untrained
"philosopher-wannabees" often shows.
On the other hand, unless one is planning to go into teaching or (yuk) law,
or possibly certain aspects of AI work, then philosophy is not a good
substitute for vo-tech education.
Philosophy makes one a much better intellectual athlete, but it doesn't
train one in a particular sport, which training is typically crucial to
succeed in the sport. But one can usually pick up that training later --
it's mostly a matter of being focussed and very intentional in ones choices,
rather than just drifting along with the grad school flow indefinitely.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: evolution-owner@udomo2.calvin.edu
> [mailto:evolution-owner@udomo2.calvin.edu]On Behalf Of Ed Brayton
> Sent: Sunday, November 22, 1998 6:05 PM
> To: Evolution mailingl list
> Subject: Re: philosophy
>
>
> Tim Ikeda wrote:
>
> > Mike Hardie wrote:
> > >> As a philosophy major (or, rather, a hope-to-be philosophy
> major -- I won't
> > >> formally apply to the department until next year), I was
> interested by your
> > >> comments about philosophy.
> >
> > Cliff writes:
> > > Mike, I agree with everything you say about philosophy but I question
> > > the practicality of a philosophy major.
> > [...]
> >
> > Aw Cliff,
> > Philosophy majors don't have to end up getting jobs in philosophy.
>
> I know Mike Hardie well and have counseled him that if he
> continues on his path to
> a philosophy degree, he will end up repeating "do you want fries
> with that" a lot.
>
> Ed
>
>
>
>
>