Philosophy is one of the oldest sciences known to humanity, and scholars believe it to be the foundation of many other sciences, such as mathematics, physics, astronomy, and others. It originated in Greece, where Greek philosophers were the first to establish the principles and foundations of philosophy. They referred to it as “Philosophia,” which combines two segments: “Philos” (meaning lover) and “Sophia” (meaning wisdom). Here, wisdom refers to contemplating the major issues of the universe with the aim of reaching their truth. Famous Greek philosophers include Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates.
Philosophy explores the origins and purposes of the universe, nature, and humans, with the goal of reaching truths based on contemplation. The philosophical sciences fulfill human desires for knowledge, contemplation, and curiosity. Through contemplation and discovering the origins and purposes of the universe, individuals can understand and comprehend many questions about their existence and identity, as well as acquire the mental skills needed to confront and solve problems rationally and comprehensively.
What skills does a student of philosophy acquire?
- Critical thinking
- The ability to analyze complex problems and express them clearly
- Self-discovery through analyzing one’s own ideas
- Expressive writing skills and self-expression
- Better understanding of different people and ideas, and effective communication
- Recognition of the ideas of different cultures throughout history
- Universal thinking
- Unbiased thinking
- Creative thinking
Curriculum of philosophy specialization
In Turkish universities, studying philosophy typically lasts four years, and it can be studied in either English or Turkish. Prospective students can visit the university website to learn about the academic program content, language of instruction, and other details about the specialization. Here’s what the academic program might include over the years:
First year
- Introduction to Philosophy
- History of Ancient Philosophy and Philosophical Texts
- Fundamentals of Sociology
- Positive Psychology and Communication Skills
- Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of History, Philosophy of Education
- Critical Thinking
Second year
- Classical Logic
- History of Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy and Philosophical Texts
- Ontology
- Philosophy of Art
- Art Classification and Art Criticism
- History of Sociology
- Modern Logic
Third year
- History of Philosophy in the 17th and 18th Centuries and Philosophical Texts
- Islamic Philosophy
- Philosophy of Science
- Introduction to Academic Writing
Fourth year
- Contemporary Philosophical Movements
- Political Philosophy
- Philosophy of History
- Graduation Project
Example: Click here to learn about the academic program content for Philosophy at Üsküdar University.
Career Opportunities for Philosophy Graduates
- Expert in philosophical sciences in companies and institutions
- Philosophy teacher at various educational stages
- Academic work
- Employment in public and private sectors and advisory boards
- Participation in social service projects in various fields such as law, finance, medicine, media, and art
In addition, some Turkish universities offer students the opportunity to study various specialties such as psychology, sociology, media and communications, political science, and history, in addition to the philosophy program, through dual degree programs. This approach provides them with broader job opportunities.
