Why is Philosophy Important? Here Are 4 Reasons

This article was written based on our interviews with 4 philosophy graduates.

-----------------

What is philosophy?

Philosophy studies existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. In other words, it's the exploration of life's big questions.

Philosophy is one of the oldest disciplines in the world. Some of the earliest philosophers, Plato and Aristotle, produced works that are still studied and read today.

But what is it that makes philosophy relevant even in the 21st century?

1. Philosophy helps you understand yourself

One of the main benefits of studying philosophy is that it teaches us how to question our assumptions and beliefs.

Many take certain things for granted without questioning why we believe them. By exploring how thoughts and beliefs are formed and how this has evolved throughout history, we can begin to understand our frame of beliefs.

As Emil Magnusson of Stockholm University put it:

"As abstract as philosophy may sound it really is not. Philosophy will help you question, find answers to, and expand your idea of your world. States of the world that you (and almost everyone else) take for granted are not as obvious when you dive deeper into it.

All in all, I think it helps you think outside of the box and not make you stuck in the same patterns as the rest."

Philosophy can also provide a framework for making ethical decisions and for exploring important questions about life and death, meaning, and purpose. By studying philosophy, students can develop their reasoning and abstract thinking skills, which are essential for success in any field.

Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, a professor in Philosophy and the author of Plato at the Googleplex, points out:

"It’s always a good thing to know, no matter what you go on to study—to be able to think critically. To challenge your own point of view. Also, you need to be a citizen in this world. You need to know your responsibilities. You’re going to have many moral choices every day of your life. And it enriches your inner life."

2. Philosophy helps you live a more fulfilling life

What it means to live a good life

Philosophy encourages you to ask, What is a good life? What truly matters to me?

With his concept of eudaimonia (flourishing), thinkers like Aristotle prompt us to align our actions with our values and pursue meaningful goals, not just short-term pleasures.

As blogger David Calhoun puts it:

“At its core, philosophy is a striving towards figuring out what is true and worthwhile, and what it means to live a meaningful and worthwhile life. [...] Philosophy helps us live better.”

Emotional resilience

Philosophy—particularly Stoicism—offers powerful tools for staying grounded during life’s ups and downs. Stoic thinkers like Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius emphasized that while we can’t control external events, we can control how we respond to them. This mindset helps you:

• Detach from what you can’t control
• Reframe setbacks as opportunities
• Build inner strength and calm

Existential philosophy also contributes here: Thinkers like Viktor Frankl and Jean-Paul Sartre argued that in the face of uncertainty or even suffering, we can choose to create our own meaning. That sense of agency builds emotional durability.

3. Philosophy makes great managers

Around 15% of philosophy grads end up working as managers because philosophy teaches you how to:

• Analyze situations in different contexts and look at them objectively
• Predict future problems (and companies value risk management greatly)
• Navigate ethical issues like unfair labor practices and
• Question the status quo: this is great for innovation

As the growth in machine learning and AI continues, we're seeing increasing concern about the role and ethics of technology usage—the core of philosophy's teachings. Therefore, fields like AI ethics and copyright law are expected to grow in the following decade.

What's more, philosophy fits well even in traditional business. As Frankfurt School of Finance & Management professor of philosophy Christine Tiefensee explains:

"These skills of rigorous analysis, sound argument and critical examination are the bread-and-butter of philosophy: no subject trains our ability for consistent, systematic thought better than philosophy.”

4. Philosophy teaches valuable skills

Philosophy teaches critical thinking by encouraging students to question everything they are taught. Students are encouraged to develop their own beliefs and to think for themselves.

This is a valuable skill, particularly in a world where it's becoming increasingly difficult to tell fact from fiction.

Philosophy also teaches students how to argue effectively. This is important, as it allows students to defend their beliefs against opposing arguments and helps them better understand other people's views.

Conclusion

So, why is Philosophy important? Philosophy does not just stand to change the world; it might just change the course of your life. It's a subject with extraordinary staying power and potential.

While Plato and Aristotle are often credited with shaping future civilizations, and their influence is still felt today.

Read more about philosophy:

• Top Careers for Philosophy Students
• Humanities Subject Guide