Why Study Philosophy at Binghamton University
From logic and reason to ethics, politics and the structure of knowledge itself,
philosophy is one of the major pillars of civilization. The field encourages us to
think
deeply, ask the big questions and look at the larger picture.
While philosophy has undeniably ancient roots, it also offers real-world benefits
to the
modern seeker. In philosophy, you’ll develop highly marketable skills sought-after
by
employers, including high-order logic and communication skills. A study of philosophy
ultimately prepares you to compete in a rapidly shifting, global world where you may
hold different jobs or even careers over the course of a lifetime.
Philosophy majors are also well-prepared to ace the tests needed for graduate,
business and law school admission. They also have the highest rate of admission into
medical school of any major.
Practical benefits aside, philosophy also addresses the deeply human search for
meaning, which broadens our horizons and inspires us to be the best versions of
ourselves.
Philosophy is to be studied, not for the sake of any definite answers to its questions since no definite answers can, as a rule, be known to be true, but rather for the sake of the questions themselves; because these questions enlarge our conception of what is possible, enrich our intellectual imagination and diminish the dogmatic assurance which closes the mind against speculation; but above all because, through the greatness of the universe which philosophy contemplates, the mind also is rendered great, and becomes capable of that union with the universe which constitutes its highest good.
—Bertrand Russell, The Problems of Philosophy
