The relevance of Philosophy major in the 21st century.

“Wonder is the feeling of the philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.” Plato

According to Dr. Rekha Navneet, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Gargi College (Delhi University)“Philosophy which literally means love for wisdom implies engaging with life issues meaningfully and righteously.” Philosophy is one of the oldest subjects, alongside math and is relevant at all stages of human development.

Since critical thinking, problem solving are the buzz words dominating the 21st century skill sets, for students who are “inquisitive in nature, has critical insight, possesses a good command over the language and is able to put things in the right perspective besides having a flair for logical analysis, Philosophy is the perfect subject to major in,” says Dr Rekha Navneet. Unfortunately, the subject does not find many serious takers in the Delhi University.

A revamped Philosophy syllabus of Delhi University, allows students to explore the premise of debates in various areas of Philosophy such as, aesthetics, logic, ethics, epistemology, metaphysics , existentialism, analytical theories etc. Dr.Rekha adds that "There is a tremendous scope in the current curriculum that enables students to apply Philosophical methodology on concerns like Environment, Gender issues, Technology and development, Bio-Medical field, law and Media." The study is an excellent mix of traditional aspects juxtaposed with modern trends.

While Philosophy can be studied as a single discipline, A PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) offered by Oxford University has a transformative effect not only in students’ life but the society at large. The course has changed since its inception and has grown to encompass within its domain the everchanging world around us. The logical amalgamation of these three streams arms students with a degree which could be useful in a number of industries. A host of UK colleges too offer this combination, but a degree from Oxford in PPE has international repute and is supported by 200 renowned scholars.

With the employability of a subject being the main concern for students, it should be emphasized that Philosophy students have myriad opportunities to choose from. The subject opens the doors to working in the fields of Media, Law, Education, Politics, Government, etc. Philosophy is considered to be the ultimate "transferable work skill." It is noteworthy that some Silicon Valley-based companies, including search engine giant Google, and telecommunication major Skype, have started to employ in-house philosophers. In an article in Forbes magazine, it was mentioned that increasingly practical philosophers are entering the business domain. Positions of importance are being carved out for them as “chief philosophy officers” who have a significant role as a life coach, consultant, and strategist. With companies experimenting with artificial and virtual intelligence, Philosophers contribute by designing the ethical structure of questions and the standards that ought to apply when developers are programming virtual intelligence, or designing the way AI should interact with humans. The moral questioning applies to the social media platforms that use algorithms to lure their visitors to look at follow-up content. “A CPO can help to develop guidelines for more “moral” programming, which might – for instance –emphasize the relevance of democratic values.”

Philosophers are continually grappling with fundamental questions related to human existence. What is truth? Is there God? What is beauty? Constantly wrestling with such questions and learning the historical responses enriches one’s life in a way no other subject does.