Most students entering university are unfamiliar with philosophy. Although high school students are intellectually capable of studying philosophy, they are seldom given the opportunity. Consequently, the students' impressions about philosophy - impressions widespread in our society - are often uninformed or misinformed. They may well wonder: "Why should I study philosophy?"

Here are some possible reasons:

• Philosophy helps us understand that things are not always what they seem.
• Philosophy helps us learn about ourselves and the world. It teaches us how to grapple intelligently with basic questions such as:

"Who am I?"
"Does God exist?"
"How should I live?"
"Should I do what society tells me to do?"
"Can I be sure of any of my beliefs?
"Does my life have meaning?
"Are values just a matter of opinion?"
"What is the nature of mind, language, and thought?"

• Philosophy makes us more critical. It shows us that what we take for granted may be false -- or only part of the truth.
• Philosophy develops our ability

  - to reason clearly
  - to distinguish between good and bad arguments
  - to think and write clearly
  - to see the big picture
  - to look at different views and opinions.
  
  These skills are highly prized by employers and by graduate/professional schools. They are never outdated. They enrich our lives and our relationships.

• By studying the writings of great philosophers we see the extent to which philosophy has influenced science, religion, government, education and art.
• Philosophy empowers us to critically examine ours views and the views of others. Occasionally this leads us to reject our "inherited" views; however, it should always give us new and creative ways to deal with problems we could not otherwise solve.

Ideas adapted from a brochure by Daniel Kolak.