Category: Skills

Robert E. Rubin: “Philosophy Prepared Me for a Career in Finance and Government”

October 31, 2018

Robert Rubin was the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury from 1995-1999. He started out his career at Harvard University, but of all of his courses, it was his first philosophy class that he chose to write about in The New York Times. “Professor Demos would use Plato and other great philosophers to demonstrate that proving any … More Robert E. Rubin: “Philosophy Prepared Me for a Career in Finance and Government”

To be a Good Doctor, Study the Humanities

October 31, 2018

In a recent article in the Pacific Standard, medical doctor Angira Patel discusses her experience and how studying philosophy in college rather than science gave her a distinct advantage. It gave her a well-rounded empathetic point of view that helped her identify better with patients, as well as gave her a critical eye to help … More To be a Good Doctor, Study the Humanities

Teaching kids philosophy makes them smarter in math and English

October 31, 2018

Normally, this site focuses on higher education, but it is worth taking some time to recognize that philosophy is an excellent subject for all students. A recent large-scale study in England shows that taking philosophy classes helps even younger students succeed in all of their subjects, especially science and math. According to the study, nine … More Teaching kids philosophy makes them smarter in math and English

Humanities Graduates are Gainfully Employed and Happy

February 18, 2018

On February 7, 2018, The Association of American Universities released a report offering data to show that graduates with humanities degrees are “gainfully employed and happy.” As they put it in their summary:

The report focuses on Bachelor’s degree holders. It “draws on data sources that meet the highest standards of social scientific rigor, relying heavily on the products of the U.S. federal statistical system.” … More Humanities Graduates are Gainfully Employed and Happy

Hedge Fund Investor Donates $75 million to Philosophy Department, Attributing his Success to Philosophy.

January 28, 2018

Bill Miller just donated $75,000,000 to The Johns Hopkins University Philosophy Department. He did it because he credits his business success to the education he received there. … More Hedge Fund Investor Donates $75 million to Philosophy Department, Attributing his Success to Philosophy.

5 Reasons Why Philosophy Majors Make the Best Entrepreneurs

September 26, 2017

  Nick Miller, co-founder and CEO of the restaurant-software company Gather, attributes his success to his education in philosophy. He points out that the same qualities that make a philosopher successful are essential to entrepreneurship. He lists the top five as follows: They love debate. They are comfortable with the uncomfortable. They see the big picture … More 5 Reasons Why Philosophy Majors Make the Best Entrepreneurs

A case for majoring in philosophy, from Forbes.

March 22, 2017

Philosophy majors can do just about anything. So, it is not surprising that Travis Chamberlain, started out in the military, then made his way to the one of the most prestigious universities in the world: The London School of Economics. In a recent article on Forbes.com, he outlines one of the central arguments for a philosophy degree. He writes: “The surprisingly robust … More A case for majoring in philosophy, from Forbes.

CUBAN: Don’t go to school for finance — liberal arts is the future

February 20, 2017

In a recent interview billionaire investor Mark Cuban noted that liberal arts degrees, like philosophy, are better suited for the future job market. Cuban believes the skills developed in the liberal arts can provide a unique perspective for businesses. This may seem contrarian in a world dominated by technology and STEM, however Cuban explains his … More CUBAN: Don’t go to school for finance — liberal arts is the future

A Harvard Medical School professor makes the case for the liberal arts and philosophy

February 20, 2017

It is often said that there is little connection between the liberal arts and STEM field. This is not the case. Dr. David Silbersweig, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Co-Director of the Institute for the Neurosciences at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Stanley Cobb Professor of psychiatry and Academic Dean (Partners HealthCare) at Harvard … More A Harvard Medical School professor makes the case for the liberal arts and philosophy

Teaching kids philosophy makes them smarter in Math and English

February 20, 2017

Nationally, the liberal arts and STEM fields are viewed as opposing and non-complimentary. However, a recent study conducted in England shows that students with philosophical backgrounds have increased reading and math scores. More than 3,000 kids in 48 schools across England participated in weekly discussions about concepts such as truth, justice, friendship, and knowledge, with time … More Teaching kids philosophy makes them smarter in Math and English

Philosophy degree holders Peter Thiel (PayPal Founder), Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn Founder), Paul Graham (inventor of the Y Accelerator) are “the philosopher kings of Silicon Valley.”

February 17, 2017

Philosophy degrees have been incredibly useful in silicon valley leading to both riches and ideas that have changed the world. … More Philosophy degree holders Peter Thiel (PayPal Founder), Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn Founder), Paul Graham (inventor of the Y Accelerator) are “the philosopher kings of Silicon Valley.”