Hello everyone. This is my first post here. Anyways, I’ve just graduated, and want to go for further studies. And right now, I’m thinking whether I should take up Law or Masters in Philosophy. (Psychology was included in that list just a few days ago.) Both allow me to analyze issues critically and debate, and also, both have been interesting to me when I was taking my undergrad.
Right now I’m siding with Philosophy. The lighter workload means I can do other stuff while studying, like manage some sort of business. Also, I believe Philosophy affects all aspects of life, whether it be business, relationships, or even simply playing a video game. And probably most compelling, I believe that there is more personal and substantial growth in studying Philosophy than Law.
Why am I even still asking? Because I haven’t let go of studying Law just yet. I don’t want to practice law, at least not in the traditional sense of defending and advocating clients (i know i’m just not patient enough for that), but the intellectual stimulation, challenge, and pressure that Law School (and probably Law School alone) can provide appeals to me. And of course, I won’t deny that the recognition of having graduated from the top law school in the country and privilege of having that title attached to my name continues to lure me to Law.
And no, I don’t want to take up both
Has anyone been in a similar situation? What do you guys think?
Thanks.
Thanks for the replies. That’s the good thing about philosophy, I suppose. Though I know I won’t be seeing any “philosophers wanted” signs around, I know I’ll be able to use it in my life and work.
I got that vibe from a friend who did law school, worked for a number of years as a lawyer, was quite successful at it, but admitted he hated the job from day one.
Lawyers seem to make a sizeable clientele of shrinks.
It is interesting you are hesitating between these two avenues, because philosophy (search for truth) and law are almost at the opposite spectrum. Of course, what is probably taught at philosophy schools is the history of philosophy. I’d still go with philosophy though. It’s much more important to be a balanced person, and I’m not sure law leads you there
I’m actually getting the same responses, even from people around where I’m at. One respected lawyer told me that, especially in my side of the planet, you normally have to choose between having a clear conscience and winning cases.
But, I wonder, in more developed and less corrupt countries, what about the law makes many lawyers feel miserable?
Although not directly linked to your question, there is another thing, law is in essence the anti-metaphysical stance (as in philosophy of being qua being). So I dare say the US epitomizes the anti-metaphysical stance.
That said, law or business are good degrees to get an overarching understading of how the system works.