Postgraduate study in Philosophy

Critical thinking for a complex world.

There is no limit to the issues to which philosophers apply their reason: from knowledge (Are scientific claims certain?), to language (What is meaning?), from ethical and social problems (How should we run the country?), to metaphysical issues (Is the future less real than the past?).

The skills and knowledge you gain from studying philosophy will make you a better student in other subjects; they will also be invaluable in a wide variety of occupations because philosophy focuses less on what you believe, and more on the quality of your reasons for believing it.

By examining the reasons for the claims we make, philosophy develops your powers of argument, analysis, and critical reasoning. It will help you to express yourself more clearly and give you the abilities required to address complex and difficult problems.

Why study Philosophy?

Philosophy provides a toolkit to critically engage with difficult and important questions. It seems that some actions are right and others are wrong, but it's difficult to explain if this is because one produces better outcomes or the other respects humanity. It seems that some scientific claims are almost certainly true, but a crucial element of the success of science is its willingness to revise its claims in light of new evidence. It seems that there is little more to our brains than complex neural networks, but how do these networks generate intense feelings?

Discussing these abstract problems develops the philosophical tools necessary to deal with practical problems, such as whether an unpopular theory should be accepted, or to what extent we can appeal to common sense when arguing about a radical claim. In grappling with these issues, philosophers seek to build a well-grounded picture of the world and of human life. The key skill for a philosopher is the ability to construct and dissect arguments – a central part of all philosophy is training in clear and effective reasoning.

Are you just starting uni?

Learn about studying Philosophy as an undergraduate at Otago.

Contacts

Email  philosophy@otago.ac.nz
Website  otago.ac.nz/philosophy

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