Philosophy: The Career Prospects

Career in Philosophy

Importance/Relevance of Philosophy

Studying Philosophy in Nigeria 

Graduates of philosophy may choose to go into academic or non-academic careers.

1.  Academic Pursuits: Philosophy has found great usefulness in academic values such as, understanding other disciplines, and developing sound methods of research and analysis. Graduates of philosophy may then wish to go into academics as teachers, lecturers or researchers.
2. In non-academic pursuits: Much of the skills derived from the study of philosophy are what employers of labour are in the lookout for. These skills include good communication, critical thinking, problem solving, team working which are also referred to as transferable skills, meaning they can be transferred from one area of work or career to another. Therefore, people trained in philosophy are well prepared to do many or any kind of work as they easily cope with changes and so able to move without much difficulty into new careers.

Where do Philosophers work?

Philosophers work anywhere and everywhere there is need for knowledge base, evaluation, ethics or duty or where logical reasoning is needed. These include both academics and non-academic areas like the bank, telecommunication industries, marketing, security agencies, etc.

Education and Training in Philosophy

Studying Philosophy in Nigeria 

Career in Philosophy

Importance/Relevance of Philosophy

 

Philosophy as a degree course is offered in many Nigerian universities. To qualify for admission, interested candidates must possess five credits to include English Language and any other four subjects. Admission could be through UTME or Direct entry. Candidates for UTME usually sit for any three subjects in addition to English Language while Direct entry candidates must possess any two ‘A’ level passes for instance in IJMB/A’ Level GCE.

The following universities offer philosophy: AAU,ABUJA, BENIN, CALABAR, IBADAN, IMSU, JABU, LAGOS, LASU, MADONNA, NDU, OAU, OOU, PHC, REDEEMERS, UNAD, UNIZIK, UYO, VERITAS AND EBSU. EBSU offers it as Philosophy and Religious Studies with options in Philosophy and Religion. KSU offers Philosophy and Religious Studies with options in Philosophy and Christian Religious Studies.

Philosophy: Career Prospects

Relevance/Importance of Philosophy as a Course of Study

Relevance /Importance of Philosophy

Career in Philosophy
Training/Education in Philosophy

Asking for the importance of philosophy is as good as asking for the importance of wisdom, as much of what is learnt in philosophy is relevant in virtually all fields of endeavours. This is because many of the methods are not only relevant but can be applied
for use in any field. Following are some of what one can gain in the study of philosophy:

1. General problem solving: knowledge of philosophy helps in analyzing concepts, definitions, arguments and problems. It contributes to the ability to organize ideas and issues, to deal with questions of value, and to extract what is essential.
2. Writing skills: Writing is taught in intensive manner in many philosophy courses. Argumentative writing, descriptive writing and so on, are all taught through philosophical concepts and courses. Also, originality is encouraged, and students are generally urged to use their imagination in developing their own ideas.
3. Communication Skills: Philosophy helps in developing both communicative and expressive powers. It provides some of the basic tools of self-expression. It enhances the ability to explain difficult material, eliminating ambiguities and vagueness from one’s speech and writing.
4. Persuasive Power: Philosophy helps in developing ability to be convincing. This is because it fosters formulation of clear ideas, encourages construction of good arguments and gives ability to provide apt examples.                                                                                                                  Training/Education in Philosophy