Masters in philosophy is the field of study for those who enjoy argument building and effective problem solving through analysis. Although the major trends in professional degrees has turned in the favor of sciences, mathematics and computer studies, there has always been a demand for professionals with philosophical expertise.
A masters in philosophy can offer you a decent salary in Pakistan as a teacher at school or college level. You can further your interest in the subject by taking a research route and apply for a doctorate level study in local or international universities.
Writing books and combining philosophy with other subjects such as history or sociology can become an interesting research pathway. In this article, we will explore the scope and importance of masters in philosophy.
Masters in philosophy in Pakistan
Prerequisite of masters
You have to have taken philosophy in an undergraduate degree in Pakistan to apply for a masters in philosophy in Pakistan. Duration of the masters degree is two years. The MA degree in philosophy does not require you to write a thesis.
If you choose to appear for an M.Phil in philosophy after an MA, you will be required to have a thesis.
What is philosophy about?
Philosophy as a discipline is about asking, answering, and resolving problems. All of this happens in a rigorous and systematic way of study. Philosophy also discovers the truths about life and ourselves.
Branches of philosophy
There are 7 branches of philosophy:
- Metaphysics: Study of the fundamental nature of reality.
- Axiology: Study of the nature of value and valuation.
- Logic: Study of the nature and types of logic.
- Aesthetics: Study of beauty and taste.
- Epistemology: Study of the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge.
- Ethics: Study of what is right and wrong in human behavior.
- Political philosophy: Study of government, questions about the nature, purpose, and legitimacy of public agents and institutions.
Metaphysics
One of the branches of philosophy is Metaphysics. It is mainly concerned with explaining the nature of being and the world. Aristotle distinguishes among three kinds of substances. Classification of substances is done according to whether they are changeable or material. Another type of substance is unchangeable, non-material, non-physical, immovable, and eternal (including ideas and numbers)
Axiology
“Axiology is essential for the identification of general patterns that embody the meaning of good and related concepts in terms of what is valued, and how it is valued.”
There are numerous cases of conflicts, wars, and incidents covering the globe. These may include kidnapping, alcoholism, terrorism, family breakdown, drug abuse, conspiracy, oppression, to name just a few. These happenings lead to a loss of faith and authority in the society.
The decline of authority can be at the level of an individual or a government. Axiology studies these values and ethics (based on the notions of worth) that determine what is right and wrong in the society due to changes in the society.
Logic
Logic is considered to be the “language of philosophy”. Logic is also extensively used in debate where argumentation has to be based on logic. Logic is also closely linked with critical thinking skills.
A simplistic view of logic can be understood through premises and conclusions, called syllogism.
Aesthetics
This branch of philosophy deals with questions of beauty and artistic taste. It is based on a set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty. It is closely related to the philosophy of art, which is concerned with the nature of art and the concepts in terms of which individual works of art are interpreted and evaluated.
While a clear definition of this branch is not possible, usually it is believed that in aesthetics we know an interesting and puzzling realm of experience: the realm of the beautiful, the ugly, the sublime, and the elegant; of taste, criticism, and fine art; and of contemplation, sensuous enjoyment, and charm. In all these phenomena we believe that similar principles are operative and that similar interests are engaged. (See the original source here)
Epistemology
This branch is the philosophical study of the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge. The term is derived from the Greek epistēmē (“knowledge”) and logos (“reason”), and accordingly the field is sometimes referred to as the theory of knowledge.
Philosophers are intrigued by the idea of understanding the world in the most general terms possible. Accordingly, they attempt to construct theories that are synoptic, descriptively accurate, explanatorily powerful, and in all other respects rationally defensible.
Ethics
Also called moral philosophy, the discipline concerned with what is morally good and bad and morally right and wrong. The term is also applied to any system or theory of moral values or principles.
How should we live? Shall we aim at happiness or at knowledge, virtue, or the creation of beautiful objects? If we choose happiness, will it be our own or the happiness of all?
Political philosophy
The branch of philosophy that is concerned, at the most abstract level, with the concepts and arguments involved in political opinion. The meaning of the term political is itself one of the major problems of political philosophy. Broadly, however, one may characterize as political all those practices and institutions that are concerned with government.
Modern philosophy
Modern philosophy was first developed during the 17th century as a unique discipline to study how one’s confirmation of knowledge plays a role in constructing views about knowledge. It is a way of thinking that does not conform to the previously accepted notions of life, values, aesthetics, and so on.
Modern philosophy differs from its predecessors because the way of thinking is starkly different in the doctrines of modern philosophy. Direct experience and logic are the center of modern philosophy. Modern philosophy was taken over by the postmodernism approach in the early 20th century.
Importance of philosophy
#1. Philosophy raises our curiosity to as ask the important questions
Philosophy is the study of world views and questions that no other discipline asks. For instance, the big questions on human rights and what constitutes human rights. How does a violation of rights impact society? What is right and moral to do and what isn’t?
Philosophy questions the best and the most logical ways of governance. In short, philosophy is important because it tends to raise important questions for us to ponder on. A cautious mind is always thinking and going through a process of making views about the world around – that very thinking process is philosophy.
#2. Philosophy is inherent in critical thinking and reasoning
Educationists and cognition scientists come up with different definitions and ways to explain critical thinking. One of the most common findings is that critical thinking or reasoning is actually a part of philosophy. Logical thinking, debating, assessing knowledge is all about philosophical thinking.
Critical thinking is encouraged in academia because it raises the level of our thinking. It refines how we respond to challenges and how we make sense of the world around us. Philosophical thinking, therefore, makes you a better learner and a better thinker not just in academia, but in life as well.
#3. Philosophy is behind a sound research process
Writing college level research papers is considered to be a fairly tedious process. You may come across huge chunks of information, data, and arguments from all sides. How do you get out of the confusion of so many views and argue for a common ground or one side?
It is the principles of philosophy that help you sort out the information and give it a shape that you can understand. You can evaluate your sources of information through logical and analytical thinking.
#4. Philosophy teaches how to convince others
Persuasiveness is the art of debate which relates to the rhetoric of convincing others. No matter how valid your argument is, it must be persuasive for others to believer it. Therefore, philosophy helps you in learning this art with arguments and ways that will convince your listeners. Good philosophers are always good debaters!
#5. Philosophy teaches problem-solving
Philosophy teaches techniques of solving problems, such as observation, intuition, and logic. Using these tools, you can always break problems down to the basics and suggest solutions to various problems. These problems vary on the scale from small to large, such as the government systems, societies, and values.
#6. Philosophy forms a good foundation for a variety of careers
Importance of philosophy can be understood by knowing that it isn’t just helpful in a classroom discussion or knowledge creation. Instead, philosophy plays a key role in real careers, such as business, law, and all research related fields in social sciences and humanities.
Philosophy really goes beyond academia and careers as well – it becomes a way of life and how we view life. Students who study philosophy are more detail oriented, refrain from judgements without proof, and appear to be more sensitive in every field in their societies.
Does philosophy intrigue your interest? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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