OPINION: Why USF should require philosophy for all students
Everyone who has taken a philosophy class knows how the tone of the classroom changes when that one kid chimes in with his “Well actually…”
These instances are a misrepresentation of the full scope of philosophy because it is so much more than mansplaining in an intellectual ivory tower.
College students are at a critical moment of their lives, overwhelmed with questions about their identity, their goals and the world. Answering these difficult questions is really what philosophy is all about.
Related: Dear students, the humanities matter too
This is why USF should make philosophy a required course for all students of all majors.
Taking philosophy is currently an option among courses that satisfy the humanities requirement, but it is not a mandated course for all students.
Philosophy makes you think deeply about values and identity, which impacts relationships and attitude towards life.
When I moved to America after leaving my life and friends in the Netherlands, philosophy helped me cope. A school of thought called stoicism helped me realize that although I cannot control what happens to me, I can control how I react.
Dolores Morris, a professor in the department of philosophy, explains that reflecting on fundamental questions has had a transformational effect on her life.
“For me, philosophy has helped me to make sense of how I want to live my life,” Morris said. “To think about what I believe, and then about what that means and how that should shape my decisions. In that sense, it has kind of made everything better.”
Related: USF’s ins and outs for 2025
Critical reflection is a useful skill to many more than just philosophy majors and professors.
Most jobs can be better performed by a critical thinker, but this skill is necessary in some positions. Think of jobs in law, data analysis, or government.
“A common misconception is that philosophers end up as baristas,” Morris said. “Lots of people end up as baristas. I just do not think that careful thinking is ever useless.”
Most of all, society needs more philosophers to deal with global issues. Philosophy teaches you how to logically examine arguments which increases productive disagreements and empathy for other perspectives.
American politics, for example, is in dire need of these skills.
“If we had room for nuance, for charitable, rational disagreement, we could make more progress,” Morris said.
In a perfect world, vouching for the importance of soft skills, like emotional intelligence and empathy, would be silly.
But even in a country where economics and efficiency are valued most, philosophy deserves a seat at the table.
Related: USF civil rights protestors file civil rights complaint against university
According to the payscale 2024 College Salary Report, philosophy majors are ranked higher in early and mid-career pay than some STEM majors like microbiology and neuroscience.
Realistically, changing the curriculum requires more than convincing a school of the importance of this class.
“The control of the curriculum doesn’t ever lie in the hands of one person or one group,” said Vonzell Agosto, a professor of educational leadership and policy studies. “It’s always something that is a part of a conversation that is ongoing, and people have opportunities to participate.”
Philosophy has the power to enhance student life on all fronts. Let’s make it a fundamental part of our education.
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