No More Schools
It looks like I am not the kind of material for a Ph.D. After checking out some of the philosophy Ph.D programs around the country (which is the next level up from MFA without gong into Art History), it seems like almost every program is looking for genius-like candidates. Just the language requirement along shuts me out of the door (usually fluency in French or German is a prerequisite). And besides, most programs want you to already have a MA in philosophy plus A LOT of spare time doing dissertation (unless you get accepted into one of the “good” programs, then they pay for everything so that you can focus on the research).
And also, looks like the “ambition” in getting a Ph.D in philosophy is to get tenure in an university and remain in the academics… not much use in the rest of the job market per se. But maybe that is a good thing.
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August 5th, 2006 at 10:35 pm
Do they really require fluency in German? You live in California, right? Don’t get me wrong, I love my language - but who the hell needs German in California?
I understand that with philosophy it might come in handy, but I know how Kant, for instance, wrote: You not only need to be a native speaker, but you also need to have the motivation of a dying man…
Have you thought about other subjects than philosophy? What about (regular) history? Or psychology, if you are willing to learn the methods? Or, depending on how technically/methodically apt you are, ergonomics (or whatever you call it; where you learn how people react to certain stimuli on the screen, or how tactile feedback can be used etc.).
August 5th, 2006 at 11:11 pm
I think the fact that either German or French is required is due to the fact that the subject of philosophy has deep roots in Europe and much has been published in those two languages. Some schools also allow Greek, Latin and other European languages as substitutes. In the fine prints somewhere, most schools also specify that “other languages” ok pending approval from the department as well as on the subject of dissertation (makes no sense to know French or German if the dissertation is on Eastern philosophy).
Philosophy is the natural choice because on the path of “fine arts” as a degree (master of fine arts), Ph.D in philosophy or art history are the only options. Psychology and ergonomics are more “science” than art. I think I’d have to get a B.S. before even being considered a candidate in other science-based programs.