According to Wikipedia, "Philosophy is the systematized study of general and fundamental questions, such as those about existence, reason, knowledge, values, mind, and language. Such questions are often posed as problems to be studied or resolved. Philosophical methods include questioning, critical discussion, rational argument, and systematic presentation." "Historically, philosophy encompassed all bodies of knowledge and a practitioner was known as a philosopher."
Philosophy was about everything and all knowledge in the old days. Now, philosophy helps us to better understand fundamental concepts, such as logic, ethics, value and belief, etc.
How to best learn philosophy?
Learning philosophy can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Here are some tips that might help you get started:
Read primary texts: Start by reading the works of the major philosophers themselves. Some of the most influential philosophers include Plato, Aristotle, René Descartes, Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, and John Rawls, to name a few. Try to read their works in their original form, if possible.
Seek out introductory resources: Before diving into the primary texts, consider reading an introductory book on the philosopher or philosophy you are interested in to gain a better understanding of their ideas and context.
Take a course: Enrolling in a philosophy course, either online or in person, can provide you with structure, guidance, and feedback from an experienced teacher.
Engage in discussions: Philosophy is meant to be a subject for lively debate and discussion. Consider joining a philosophy club, participating in online forums, or discussing philosophical concepts with friends and family.
Practice critical thinking: Philosophy is all about questioning assumptions, examining arguments, and making logical conclusions. To get the most out of studying philosophy, make sure to practice these skills and apply them to the texts and discussions you engage with.
Keep an open mind: Philosophy is a field that encourages you to challenge your own beliefs and consider alternative perspectives. Keep an open mind, be willing to question everything, and don't be afraid to change your views based on the evidence presented to you.
Seek out multiple perspectives: Philosophy is a rich and diverse field, and it is important to consider multiple perspectives and schools of thought. Make sure to expose yourself to a range of philosophical ideas and arguments.
By following these tips and maintaining a strong passion for learning, you will be well on your way to a deeper understanding and appreciation of philosophy.
(ChatGPT)
What can I do if I learn philosophy?
There are many things you can do with a background in philosophy, some of which include:
Further education: Many students who study philosophy go on to pursue advanced degrees in the field, such as a Master's or a Ph.D. in philosophy.
Teaching: Philosophy graduates often become teachers, either at the high school or university level.
Law: Philosophy provides a strong foundation for the study of law and many law students have a background in philosophy.
Business: Philosophy graduates are sought after by many businesses for their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Ethics: Philosophers are often called upon to provide ethical advice and guidance in various industries, such as health care, technology, and finance.
Writing and journalism: Philosophy graduates can find work as writers and journalists, using their skills to analyze and report on complex issues.
Government and non-profit organizations: Philosophy graduates often work in government and non-profit organizations, where they use their skills to address complex social and political issues.
Research: Philosophy graduates often go on to careers in research, either in academia or in think tanks, where they use their skills to analyze and understand complex issues.
These are just a few examples of what you can do with a background in philosophy. The skills you learn through studying philosophy, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, are highly valued in many fields and can be applied to a wide range of careers.
(ChatGPT)
Wikiversity is a Wikimedia Foundation project devoted to learning resources, learning projects, and research for use in all levels, types, and styles of education from pre-school to university, including professional training and informal learning.
There are lots of self-learning contents about philosophy, which you can study by yourself before going into a formal education.
There are some interesting topics that you may have a look: