Question about Philosophy Majors Forum

[hyunseoki]

I'm currently an "Interdepartmental" Philosophy/Political Science major at my university. I left undergrad last year so that I can work for about two years overseas, and will return in 2011.

The more I think about it, the more stupid it seems: I actually did the phil/poly sci combo to make myself look more "marketable." Evidently, this is just dank. I'm truly interested in philosophy, and am interested in pursuing a Ph.D in philsophy one day. Would this affect my chances in law school admissions at all??? Should I just keep the "interdepartmental" major, or just go for the single Philosophy major?

Thanks guys.

[KG_CalGuy]

I voted no but there is one exception. Interdepartmental vs. pure philosophy won't make a drastic difference in how your application is perceived provided that you still take legitimate courses.

However, if you have an interest in pursuing a joint PhD/JD program, having that express interest in philosophy might be of significance when applying.

[flyingpanda]

Interdepartmental vs. pure philosophy won't make a [strike]drastic[/strike] difference in how your application is perceived [strike]provided that you still take legitimate courses.[/strike]

This will not affect your cycle AT ALL. I don't mean a little bit, I mean at all

[TTTennis]

This will not affect your cycle AT ALL. I don't mean a little bit, I mean at all

[MURPH]

Easy classes with A grades is best for law school. Seemingly hard classes (400 level with fancy names) with A grades is best for Phil PhD programs. Getting into a funded Philosophy PhD program is much harder than getting into a top law school.

[270910]

Based on my experiences, it will probably affect your chances of being an insufferable toolbag once you get to law school, but probably won't affect your chances of getting in.

[singingvontrapp]

Based on my experiences, it will probably affect your chances of being an insufferable toolbag once you get to law school, but probably won't affect your chances of getting in.

This more or less.

[Kobe_Teeth]

It will make grad school a must since NO ONE will hire a philosophy major.

[sumus romani]

I voted yes, because I think that the philosophy major will help you do well on the LSAT, and thereby enhance your prospects for admission to a top law school. Being a philosophy major is is at least a +2 on your score. I have no data to back up my causal claim, but there is a correlation between being a phil major and doing well on the LSAT.

[chocho]

I voted no, but the real answer is yes, as a philo major myself, any decision you will make will alter everything. but as far as im sure u meant it, no it doesnt matter i wouldnt think.

[OneKnight]

Easy classes with A grades is best for law school. Seemingly hard classes (400 level with fancy names) with A grades is best for Phil PhD programs. Getting into a funded Philosophy PhD program is much harder than getting into a top law school.

TITCR

[hyunseoki]

Thanks for the responses guys. I think I'm going to switch to Philosophy permanently. Forget this interdepartmental bullcrap.

If the ultimate career goal that I have in mind is Law and Philosophy, what are some good practice areas that I could work in for a couple of years before heading off for a PhD? Answers would be extremely appreciated.

[acdisagod]

Choosing philosophy will help your gpa since you're interested in it and it will probably help you by a point or two on the LSAT. My course in logic definitely helped me on that formal logic question on the september 2009 lsat (something about a hand weaved hat or something.) Most people got that question wrong and I probably would've too if not for logic.

[sumus romani]

Thanks for the responses guys. I think I'm going to switch to Philosophy permanently. Forget this interdepartmental bullcrap.

If the ultimate career goal that I have in mind is Law and Philosophy, what are some good practice areas that I could work in for a couple of years before heading off for a PhD? Answers would be extremely appreciated.

I don't understand how "law and philosophy" is a career area. Do you mean to suggest that you want to be an academic who works in this area? If so, it is hard to see how any practice areas could possibly help you (if you mean practice areas of law). Are you referring to getting a Phd in philosophy and a JD? If you really want to get into a joint program with strengths in this area, NYU is the school you should try for. Admission to the philosophy graduate program is much more competitive than admission to the law school, and getting into the law school is itself an accomplishment of sorts. But the joint degree would make you an attractive candidate in philosophy programs, and also law programs if you have very good grades.

[hyunseoki]

Thanks for the responses guys. I think I'm going to switch to Philosophy permanently. Forget this interdepartmental bullcrap.

If the ultimate career goal that I have in mind is Law and Philosophy, what are some good practice areas that I could work in for a couple of years before heading off for a PhD? Answers would be extremely appreciated.

I don't understand how "law and philosophy" is a career area. Do you mean to suggest that you want to be an academic who works in this area? If so, it is hard to see how any practice areas could possibly help you (if you mean practice areas of law). Are you referring to getting a Phd in philosophy and a JD? If you really want to get into a joint program with strengths in this area, NYU is the school you should try for. Admission to the philosophy graduate program is much more competitive than admission to the law school, and getting into the law school is itself an accomplishment of sorts. But the joint degree would make you an attractive candidate in philosophy programs, and also law programs if you have very good grades.

I'm sorry for not being clear about things. I'm interested in law teaching, and am hoping that I'll be able to do that by producing scholarship in Law and Philosophy. But since I want to have at least some practice experience before becoming a full-time scholar, I was asking for what type of practice areas in law are akin to the study of Law and Philosophy.

I don't plan on pursuing a joint degree though. Not only am I not able to afford it, but just prefer to study law and philosophy separately. I do plan on getting a PhD about during my early to mid thirties, though. Still got 10+ years...

Also, just out of curiosity, and I know I'm asking so many questions here, but: Does anybody know of an article focused on obtaining a position as a clinical professor? There's a ton of literature on the topic of "becoming a law professor," but this doesn't seem to be the case for clinical law teaching. Thanks.

[MURPH]

I believe most schools do not offer tenure to clinical faculty (some do). They also don't expect much scholarship from clinical faculty. If you want to be a tenured prof then you shouldn't get sidetracked into a clinical position. Get your JD (or JD/MA) then work a while. Pay off your loans. Then start working on your PhD. The PhD portion should be fully funded anyway.
I am planning on getting my JD and PhD. At the same time if I can.

[tomhobbes]

Is it true that academics devalue the PhD when it's part of a joint degree? Also, would having a JD from HYS help out with admission to a prestigious Philosophy PhD program?

[gymboree]

Easy classes with A grades is best for law school. Seemingly hard classes (400 level with fancy names) with A grades is best for Phil PhD programs. Getting into a funded Philosophy PhD program is much harder than getting into a top law school.

TITCR

+1
edit: from a philosophy major.

[09042014]

I voted no, but the real answer is yes, as a philo major myself, any decision you will make will alter everything. but as far as im sure u meant it, no it doesnt matter i wouldnt think.

This is why you guys are unemployable btw.

[champ33]

I voted no, but the real answer is yes, as a philo major myself, any decision you will make will alter everything. but as far as im sure u meant it, no it doesnt matter i wouldnt think.

This is why you guys are unemployable btw.

Versatile and meaningful thinking? Yeah those are horrible qualities.

[kittenmittons]

I voted no, but the real answer is yes, as a philo major myself, any decision you will make will alter everything. but as far as im sure u meant it, no it doesnt matter i wouldnt think.

This is why you guys are unemployable btw.

Versatile and meaningful thinking? Yeah those are horrible qualities.

I bet you have a big right forearm

[lawduder]

I voted no, but the real answer is yes, as a philo major myself, any decision you will make will alter everything. but as far as im sure u meant it, no it doesnt matter i wouldnt think.

This is why you guys are unemployable btw.

this one almost made me choke on my water... 180 amazing

[champ33]

I voted no, but the real answer is yes, as a philo major myself, any decision you will make will alter everything. but as far as im sure u meant it, no it doesnt matter i wouldnt think.

This is why you guys are unemployable btw.

Versatile and meaningful thinking? Yeah those are horrible qualities.

I bet you have a big right forearm

I go double-handed, like a plunger.

[09042014]

I voted no, but the real answer is yes, as a philo major myself, any decision you will make will alter everything. but as far as im sure u meant it, no it doesnt matter i wouldnt think.

This is why you guys are unemployable btw.

Versatile and meaningful thinking? Yeah those are horrible qualities.

It is neither versatile nor meaningful.

[09042014]

This is why you guys are unemployable btw.

Versatile and meaningful thinking? Yeah those are horrible qualities.

I bet you have a big right forearm

I go double-handed, like a plunger.

LOL credited response.