A lot of people write off philosophy as an impractical field of study, but there are actually several benefits to studying philosophy!
In this blog post, we’ll outline ten reasons why studying philosophy is valuable, regardless of what you intend to do with your life.
1. Think critically
One of the most important skills you can develop is the ability to think critically.
And there’s no better way to hone that skill than by studying philosophy.
A big part of philosophy is taking complex ideas and breaking them down into their component parts so that you can analyze them more easily.
This process of analysis trains your brain to identify the key points of an argument and to see both sides of every issue.
You’ll be able to apply these critical thinking skills to any situation in your life, whether you’re making a decision about what career path to take or what political candidate to vote for.
2. Argue (in a good way!)
In our everyday lives, we argue with the people around us all the time—our friends, our family members, and our coworkers.
But how often do we actually stop and think about how we’re arguing?
More often than not, we just kind of blurt out whatever comes to mind in the heat of the moment without really thinking about whether or not what we’re saying makes sense.
Studying philosophy forces you to slow down and think logically about your arguments.
You’ll learn how to construct a coherent argument step-by-step and how to anticipate counterarguments before they’re even made.
As a result, you’ll be able to have calm, productive conversations with the people in your life instead of just yelling at each other until someone gets fed up and walks away!
3. A new perspective
When you study philosophy, you’re constantly exposed to new ideas and different ways of looking at the world.
Even if you don’t agree with everything you read, it’s still valuable to consider other perspectives and try to understand where others are coming from.
This open-mindedness will make you more understanding and tolerant of others, two qualities that are essential in today’s increasingly divided world.
4. Make better decisions
Since philosophy trains you to think critically and to consider all sides of an issue, it naturally follows that it would also help you make better decisions.
In our fast-paced, constantly-connected world, it’s easy to make rash decisions without really thinking them through.
But if you take the time to slow down and apply some philosophical analysis to your decision-making process, you’ll find that you make much better choices—both in your personal life and in your career.
5. Increase creativity
One of the best things about philosophy is that there are no wrong answers—it’s all about coming up with creative solutions to problems.
This focus on creativity will spill over into other areas of your life, making you more innovative and resourceful in everything you do.
6. Write (and think) clearly
Since philosophy relies so heavily on written communication, it’s no surprise that studying it will make you a better writer.
But philosophy doesn’t just teach you how to string a few sentences together—it also helps you to organize your thoughts in a clear and logical way.
This ability to think and write clearly will be valuable in any career, whether you’re writing emails to clients or reports for your boss.
7. Discipline
Philosophy is not an easy field of study—it requires a lot of hard work and discipline.
But this isn’t a bad thing!
The skills you learn while struggling to understand complex philosophical arguments will stay with you long after you’ve left the classroom.
You’ll find that you’re able to apply this same level of discipline to other areas of your life, whether you’re working on a difficult project at work or trying to stick to a new fitness routine.
8. Find meaning in life
One of the most important things that philosophy can do for you is to help you to find meaning in life.
We all go through periods of doubt and confusion, but philosophy can give you the tools you need to make sense of it all.
It can help you to figure out what you believe in and how to live your life in a way that is true to those beliefs.
In a world that is often chaotic and confusing, this can be an invaluable gift.
9. Connects with old tradition
When you study philosophy, you’re not just learning about a bunch of dead white guys—you’re connecting with a tradition that stretches back thousands of years.
By reading the works of Plato, Aristotle, and other great philosophers, you’re tapping into a wealth of wisdom and knowledge that has been passed down through the ages.
This connection to the past can give you a sense of perspective and understanding that is hard to find in our fast-paced, modern world.
10. It’s interesting!
Last but not least, philosophy is simply interesting!
It’s a chance to explore some of the deepest and most complex questions that have ever been asked.
It’s an opportunity to flex your mental muscles and challenge yourself in new ways.
It’s a way to make your brain work in ways that it never has before.
So if you’re looking for a subject that is stimulating, engaging, and downright enjoyable, philosophy just might be the perfect fit.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many good reasons to study philosophy.
It’s a subject that can challenge and inspire you, one that can teach you how to think more deeply and creatively.
It’s a way to connect with the wisdom of the ages and to find meaning in your life.
So if you’re looking for an intellectually stimulating and enjoyable field of study, philosophy is definitely worth considering.