Features and Career
What is Philosophy?
The crux of a philosophical education is in learning how to analyze matters logically in order to solve problems. This is a skill that is needed across all professions. Chang Jung University Applied Philosophy Chairwoman Tu Chia-Ling points out that a background in philosophy enables students to work in any number of fields. More importantly, philosophy students often discover interests and abilities they might not have in other areas of study. The breadth of a philosophical education allows graduates to use what they have cultivated in any number of fields.
Philosophy students develop an ability to think independently, see where problems lie, collect information, analyze things rationally, and then logically find answers. These skills are never outdated and can be used across a wide spectrum, providing grads the ability to adapt and survive in an ever-changing, volatile world.
A Few Words from the Chairwoman
There is a misconception among many that philosophy is too abstract and hard to understand. Yet they go on about the business philosophy of successful entrepreneurs, or the life philosophy of those they deem successful. Actually, philosophy itself is as easy to understand as any other academic discipline and can be used to cultivate an understanding of how to live beyond any one profession.
Yet as philosophy does not teach any technical skills, only universities are home to philosophy departments.
Philosophy can be described three ways:
- Philosophy helps to cultivate life wisdom
- Philosophy helps to discover the truth in life
- Philosophy helps to confirm life values
Added together, wisdom, truth, and values are the core search of a person’s lifetime. The goal of any department of philosophy is to aid students in searching for the wisdom, truth, and value in life so as to bring about a sense of well-being and happiness.
Solving Problems Logically and Systematically
We feel that education in Taiwan places too much emphasis on standardized answers and uniformity. Our Department of Applied Philosophy strives to break through and provide a meticulous critical-thinking approach that allows students to apply what they learn to fields as diverse as technology and medicine. Departmental required courses include Logic, Critical Thinking, and Introduction to Philosophy among others. We also offer specialized curses such as Political Philosophy, which looks at social justice, Philosophical Counseling, which covers concern for life and counseling, Social Philosophy, which delves into what policies to adopt for an increasingly geriatric society in Taiwan, Philosophy of Science, which discusses the relation of technological development with the humanities, and the Philosophy of Mind, which covers the notion of consciousness. All courses utilize the core of philosophical education, which is to think things through logically and systematically in order to solve problems. This is an ability that is needed in all sectors of society and business.
Education reform pioneer Professor Yeh Pe-Cheng of Taiwan University says in the future young people will need four qualities to thrive in the job market, the ability to think critically, express themselves clearly, learn autonomously, and have the courage to face unforeseen changes. The Department of Philosophy helps students cultivate these needed skills. We hope that students can break through these past decades of rigid rote learning and learn what it takes to think independently, find out where problems arise, collect information, analyze things rationally, think things through logically and come up with solutions to problems across any number of sectors.
There are two types of professionals in the Taiwan job market these days, but which one will help fulfill the future needs of Taiwan society? The first type is the conformist who never questions authority and leads a careful existence. The other type is the curious rebel who is willing to try new things and take on challenges. While perhaps both are needed, when it comes time to come up with new ways to thrive and sustain a business, who will the bosses look to? Of course they will need someone capable of finding answers to unprecedented problems and challenges; someone capable of thinking rationally yet creatively. This is where the curious rebel has room to thrive.
Thus those with a curious mind who want to learn what it takes to analyze matters logically, and then express themselves clearly and articulately, are the ideal candidates for studies in the Department of Philosophy.
Philosophy Broadens Career Options
The goal of a philosophical education is to put what you learn into practice. Once you think things through clearly, then you are able to get things done. A philosophical education encourages students to use a basis of knowledge and ethical values to make a difference in society. This type of education does not limit graduates to one line of work, but rather opens up more possibilities to find where individual talents and interests lie. These skills and mindset help broaden choices and enable grads to adjust when needed.
If the only goal in life is to make money, then there isn’t one university department that can guarantee success. A philosophical education puts your future direction in your own hands rather than dictating any strict professional parameters.