I agree with you Brian. With the large number of qualified (if not all together enthusiastic) applicants, it seems strange that this has not been taken up seriously as a way to hedge against unemployment. I recently read that the estimated ratio of PhD's on the market to available positions is 2:1. This statistic is distorted a bit by the fact that some people with a philosophy Phd are employed elsewhere and just apply hoping to get a research position. None the less I find this astounding.
On a less professional level, it seems society could really benefit from many of the skills philosophy offers. A large majority do not go on to college and are not given an opportunity to be exposed to philosophy. Even offering a critical thinking class in high school would be monumental for the general public.
This is definitely a subject deserving more attention. Only those with a degree (a Major, no less) in philosophy should teach philosophy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Brian. With the large number of qualified (if not all together enthusiastic) applicants, it seems strange that this has not been taken up seriously as a way to hedge against unemployment. I recently read that the estimated ratio of PhD's on the market to available positions is 2:1. This statistic is distorted a bit by the fact that some people with a philosophy Phd are employed elsewhere and just apply hoping to get a research position. None the less I find this astounding.
ReplyDeleteOn a less professional level, it seems society could really benefit from many of the skills philosophy offers. A large majority do not go on to college and are not given an opportunity to be exposed to philosophy. Even offering a critical thinking class in high school would be monumental for the general public.
Thanks for the comment Brian.