The benefits of doing a 'useless' degree

Hi everyone! I hope you enjoyed this video and that it was helpful in explaining why Philosophy isn't actually a useless degree! I get a lot of comments asking if people should study Philosophy or not because it doesn't offer a lot of job prospects so I hope that this helps.

V I D E O M E N T I O N E D

The only issue I have with philosophy as a university major is that it should be widely taught throughout high school and before. Career past, not withstanding, our society would benefit from people who understand reason.

This is not our reality, so I can only agree and say that I hope many more people pursue this intellectual discipline.

[wintermatherne]

It’s not a useless degree if you want an actual education, but if you just want a job, that’s a totally different story.

[Cupcakeloverxx]

I respect every degree because its a person's individual passion. Also, you are the individual studying not someone else.

[pranavpillai]

Great points! Hard sciences, social sciences, creative arts, and humanities do not the same ROI as those in technology, engineering, math, and business. But it doesn't mean you're doomed. Just supplement them with practical minor and/or graduate degrees in practical areas JD, MBA, MD, etc. THe ability to think, adapt, communicate, etc. are what is most important. No practical degree ever gives you these tools.

[raphaelscheu]

Thanks for making such a good video!
Guys who consider philosophy to be useless (they are always male haha) usually have no clue of the subject and feel entitled to talk from a 'hard science high horse'. Consequently, they are unaware of the important contributions philosophers of science made, to solve foundational issues in the so called hard sciences.

However, I can advise any aspiring philosopher to double major or take a minor in an unrelated subject. It is very fruitful to get to know a field of study in depth and then apply philosophical methodology to conceptual issues of that very field of study. It also looks good on the CV.

I now study medicine and I am convinced that philosophy will help me become a better physician. The reasons for that are well explained in your vid :)

[NoPrivateProperty]

philosophy is the highest form of knowledge. philosophy answers the questions beyond the scope of science.

[DsiakMondala]

I stand corrected. I used to think it was useless but in the end it was someone with a "useless" degree that managed to produce the single most concentrated copium in recent history.

[Andy-ggxw]

Philosophy encourages debates. With debates, we practice emotional regulation and critical thinking.

Being unbiased can be emotionally exhausting, you basically have to destroy your personal attachment to ideas before entering the debate.

Because if you don't, it's possible that the evidence is staring at you in the face it and you ignore it or refute it clumsily, because you are too attached to your side. And overtime, you develop your emotional regulating muscle.

Critical thinking is needed to better assess your responses, since you can see possible fallacies and bias from opponent's claims/responses.

Imagine this, everyone practicing/doing debates from childhood and throughout their schooling up until high school or university/college.

We then have a society of emotionally enlightened and clear-minded people who can make better decisions for the world's problems.

From that angle, Philosophy is NOT useless.

[kingabomination]

its useful knowledge and worth studying. its still not a useful degree. you don't need to go to school and pay to study and learn a subject.

[MrPeaceGuy]

Thanks for making this informative video! As someone who's just about to apply to study philosophy, it's definitely nice to see videos like these which are like beacons of hope amidst an ocean of doubt (much of which comes from external sources).

Also, I was about to begin writing my personal statement, but I don't know where to start. I couldn't partake in a lot of extracurricular activities due to illnesses I had when I was younger. Even though I am deeply interested in philosophy and writing, I don't have a lot of certificates and stuff. In light of this, I would be grateful for any guidance regarding writing a decent personal statement. I know that I have to mention why I wish to study philosophy. However, is there anything else that I could add to make up for my lack of an impressive profile?
I hope that you and your channel continue to prosper!

[armaghanrostampour]

That was really helpful and you have such a beautiful smile. Thanks!

[efbeedeepasha]

Great video! I have switched from a Chemistry degree to a Philosophy degree and I couldn't be happier with my new useless degree hahah. What year are you on?

[vassilisnotopoulos]

7 months after finished my philosophy degree (as a mature graduate, I am 36), with a first from Birkbeck university, and i had only one unsuccessful interview for a sales role, meaning having to do 80 calls per day and constantly pitching. I don't even hear back for applications in recruitment consultancy. After all the efford that i put for my degree, iam back working as a bartender. Not sure of the actual employability worth of the degree. Well, if you major in philopsohy at Oxford or Cambridge or UCL, then maybe is a different story.

[stanxx]

Great video! I finished my last year of philosophy at Birmingham and I found it to be a really useful degree. Unfortunately, you have to explain to people why it's so useful compared to other subjects which are pretty self-explanatory. How are you finding UCL? It's one of the unis I'm thinking of doing my masters at 😃

[ishakaurkohli]

Hey, your videos have been so useful lately. I am thinking of doing BA (Hons.) in Delhi University, it's a big deal in India. I don't want to do STEM, and changing my stream for science to philosophy. Thank you for your videos.

[charlytaylor]

In a world of disinformation we should teach critical thinking, everyone agrees. The old name for that was 'philosophy'. My philosophy somehow led to me being a stand-up comedian

[FreedomSpirit]

If you consider thinking as that's most people

[josephrees]

While I agree and certainly value the idea that a philosophy degree is excellent for analytical and literary skills, I think the section of your video that talks about philosophy from an occupational point of view is flawed.

There isn't strong enough incentive to a philosophy degree playing a noticeable role in any of these people's lives.

[truthorperjury]

Your videos are
Getting me in Philosophy Hooo.

[antiarezzo]

Wait till they learn you can learn philosophy online for free