Humanities (Philosophy) vs. Science/Math Major

WayOutWestMom
Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:12:11 +0000

Another motivation for majoring Philosophy is that I want to expand my skills sets. I want to become a well rounded doctor that can communicate and interact with patients and not a bland doctor that majored in Biology and can only talk about math and science.



What skill set do you think philosophy conveys?

Being a philosophy major doesn’t automatically make you a well-rounded, interesting individual. (I’ve known a couple of philosophy majors who were/are dreadful bores droning on and on about white dead guys who no one but they care about.)

I also know any number of research scientists and physicians who can discuss sports, politics, art, environmental policy, music, history, literature, theater, the newest Harry Dresden novel, the Washington Post editorial page, the Lance Armstrong accusations, what’s hot on Broadway this season, the best hiking trails in the Grand Canyon …

There’s no law that says a bio major can only know about biology. (Or mathematician only know math. Or engineer can only know engineering.)
It’s up to you to become a well rounded individual no matter what your major is.

P.S. And no major will give conversational and social skills unless you work at learning them.

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And BB is right, except for math, a science major by itself doesn’t really improve your post-college employability all that much. Huge glut of bio and biochem majors out there.