READING – Philosophy

Being a high school student has been an exciting journey filled with various subjects to explore. However, one subject, in particular, has left me wondering if it’s really worth studying – philosophy. I’ve had plenty of thought-provoking discussions, but I’m still not sure if philosophy has practical benefits.

When you first hear about philosophy, you might think it’s all about asking big questions like, “What’s the meaning of life?” or “Does God exist?” It may seem like something only scholars talk about with no real-world use. But as I’ve learned, philosophy has more to offer than you might think.

Firstly, philosophy helps you think critically. It teaches you to break down complex ideas, analyse arguments, and build logical responses. This skill is super important in many areas of life. Whether you’re assessing political decisions, making ethical choices, or just solving everyday problems, critical thinking is a skill you’ll use all the time.

Another thing philosophy does is encourage understanding and open-mindedness. By studying different philosophical ideas, you learn to respect different opinions and see how people think. In today’s connected world, understanding others is crucial for getting along and working together effectively.

One of the biggest advantages I’ve found in studying philosophy is that it makes you a better communicator. You have to explain your thoughts clearly in writing and speaking. These skills come in handy not only in school but also in your personal life and future job. Whether you’re explaining your point of view, negotiating with someone, or just sharing ideas, good communication is key.

But I get it – sometimes philosophy seems kind of unrealistic and unrelated to everyday life. It’s not always clear how thinking about reality or free will helps us with our daily problems. But the thing is, philosophy encourages deep thinking and looking at the big picture, which can help you grow personally and see the world from a wider perspective.

To sum up, while some people may wonder if studying philosophy is worth it, I believe it is. Philosophy gives you skills you’ll use in life, like critical thinking, empathy, communication, and ethical awareness. Sure, it doesn’t give you simple answers, but it’s because there’s no such a thing as a simple answer in some cases. So, when you ask, “Is philosophy really worth studying?” – I think the answer is definitely yes.