Philosophy is the pursuit of wisdom. Through the honest use of questions, it seeks: self-knowledge, exploration of new ideas, clarification of definitions, the avoidance of bias, and the ability to consider all available alternatives. Philosophy aims at more than knowledge; the wise person pursues the truth of a complete life in thought and action.
Philosophy begins in wonder—wonder at the material world, wonder at ideas, wonder at human purpose. Driven by curiosity and the desire to learn, the philosopher reflects openly on how best to live a meaningful life.
Philosophy’s explorations provided a foundation for academic education, and that spirit continues today. In any field—from business, to medicine, to law, to teaching, to computer programming and civil engineering—the ability to think creatively and the capacity to solve problems carefully are both central to professional success and personal satisfaction.
The study of Philosophy helps students acquire and develop:
- Critical thinking skills: The ability to identify key issues in decision-making and problem solving, analyze options, and provide solutions; to anticipate new obstacles and give careful recommendations.
- Skills in argumentation: The ability to proceed in a valid and sound way from premises to conclusions; to rationally persuade others; to gain reasoned self-understanding.
- Communication skills: The ability to summarize the content of a message clearly and objectively (for example, to differentiate fact from value); to explain complex ideas and principles to different audiences.
- Skills in design and planning: The ability to look at a problem, or an opportunity, from different angles and to identify alternative plans of action or designs.