If you have ever considered becoming a philosopher, these are answers to frequently asked questions. Questions that can flip the tides of studying, and working towards a career in philosophy or dodging a bullet. Take a look, and I am sure you won't be disappointed. After all, it might interest you or might just become a hobby.
To be a thinker, to be curious, to have a strong desire and to know and learn hard and simple questions.
Philosophers do a lot of things. Not all philosophers do or have to do the same things, some share their stories through books, blogs, new ways of thinking. Philosophers work with the fundamentals of philosophy and branch themselves in their own way. It can include the influence and inspiration from others or be completely based on one's individual thoughts and experiences. They aren't story tellers, they send a message that many other philosophers will agree or disagree with.
Teach philosophy in academia, challenge authority, finding new ways to look at the world and concepts. For others, it consists of writing books and dissertations. Something all philosopher do is thinking.
Outside and inside of academia. A lot of the times, philosophers will work academic teaching jobs in universities. In the non-academic fields, where they can work can vary a lot. With the advancement of technology, philosophers can publish their work on the internet from home in non-academic jobs or jobs that do not require you to be present. An easy and very common example, would be a writer. Many philosophers practice their profession by becoming writers. They could publish their books online without having to leave the house.
Often by completing a master's or a PhD if you want to work in academia. To become an author of philosophy, you do not need any education in philosophy. Being a philosopher is also more than just a degree, it's about thinking in an analytical way. To question and search for answers. There are a lot more criteria's and concept that makes one a philosopher.
A philosopher makes money in a range going from $26.15 to $62 in Canada. The wages can have a big gap between two philosophers. Wages really varies but are still livable wages at their lowest.
A lot of things depending on where you want to end up. Everything could be additional if you want to become an author. Some examples are grad school, university, becoming a member of the APA. Getting a master's or a PhD could either be mandatory or optional because being a philosopher is a very broad profession.
A serious danger to being a philosopher, is a lack of funding. Being a philosopher is special because it's a profession where you aren't making or selling a product. You are offering a service, just like a teacher. Because of that, a lot of people see no use in philosophy, and therefore philosophers might be seen as expendable. Especially in countries that are in an economic crisis, the easy choice is to cut the money going to philosophers because what would they be of use for them in hard economic times.
Very unlikely. Philosophers practice philosophy. Philosophy is a discipline that is grounded in logic. It is grounded in logic by us from our point of view. A robot could repeat things philosophers theorized, but replacing one would need the robot to be human and have flawed and biased thinking. It can imitate, but it won't be philosophical.
There is no age philosophers retire at, being a philosopher is more than a profession but a way of thinking. You could retire when you are old and take a more relaxed approach to life like anyone in any profession does or by stopping following the fundamentals of philosophy.
These were all frequently asked questions that are pertinent for those who want to maybe become philosophers one day.
Rationale: to inform or educate
Authority: recognized author
Date: still relevant
Accuracy: probably true
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Rationale: to inform or educate
Authority: government
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Rationale: to inform or educate
Authority: recognized author
Date: still relevant
Accuracy: probably true
Relevance: relevant for this document
Sources: cites sources