How to become a Philosopher

An individual who thinks logically and critically to understand and describe the world around them is termed a philosopher. Their intensity of thinking is very deep and they find solutions to the critical questions of life. They are capable enough to help themselves as well as others in order to approach life in a better way. Philosophers are highly educated experts who teach courses in philosophy, religion and theology. One of the primary responsibilities of a philosopher is to discover life's important topics and mysteries. They are expected to be curious, thoughtful, analytical, systematic and helpful individuals. They must also be patient and acceptance enough to take other people's viewpoint, their arguments must cover multiple angles or perspectives. They must be able to break down large, complex problems into smaller, understandable statements. Their communication skills must be efficient. They are thoroughly engaged with spiritual, moral, and universal problems that concern the human race. They develop and analyze logical arguments to understand and explain different situations. Most of the Philosophers teach about a certain area in philosophy and often work for collages. They might also be interested in the research and publication of their own articles or books.

Their core responsibilities include:

• Philosophers are knowledgeable individuals in the field, keeping themselves updated by reading current literature.
• They hold thorough discussions with groups, colleagues, and students for a better understanding of a topic.
•  They also hold and participate in conferences held on different levels.
• They initiate, promote and manage classroom discussions on different topics related to Philosophy.
• They assess grades for students for their classwork, assignments and paper submissions.
• They prepare course material for the school syllabus, and handouts.
• They are in charge of materials and supplies such as textbooks in a school. 
• They perform administrative duties, like heading a department.
• They are also involved in charity work or fundraising activities.
• They initiate research work and get it published as well.

A very important virtue of a philosopher is to be self-motivated and have exceptional communication skill. They must be active listeners and pay full attention to other person's ideas. They must ask relevant questions so as to get a clear perspective over the thought. Their reading and communication skills also come in handy while the submerge into the vast sea of knowledge. They use logic and reasoning in their everyday life while either gaining knowledge or sharing it. They must be good at oral expression and speech clarity as both come in handy in their educational sector. They have an excellent ability to connect pieces of information into one whole idea or thought. They are famously critical thinkers and problem solvers. They require extensive research skills. A great sense of clarity in written and verbal expression is very important to become a Philosopher. They are expected to be constantly updated about what is currently going around in the world relating to their subject.

Salary of a Philosopher is as follows :

• Minimum Monthly Salary: Entry-level philosophers may earn a minimum monthly salary of approximately INR 20,000 to INR 30,000. These individuals often start their careers in academia, research institutions, or non-profit organizations.
• Maximum Monthly Salary: Experienced and highly renowned philosophers with a substantial body of published work, international recognition, and expertise in specific philosophical fields may earn a monthly salary ranging from INR 60,000 to INR 1,20,000 or more. Compensation can vary based on factors such as academic prestige and contributions to the field.
• Annual Salary: The annual salary for entry-level or junior philosophers could be around INR 2,40,000 to INR 3,60,000. As philosophers advance in their careers, publish influential works, and engage in academic collaborations, their annual income can increase from approximately INR 7,20,000 to INR 14,40,000 or higher.
• Highest Paying Jobs and Scope: Philosophy professors at esteemed universities, philosophers working in renowned think tanks, and those who attain prominent academic positions may enjoy higher earning potential. Philosophers who contribute groundbreaking research, publish widely-read books, and participate in philosophical discourse may have enhanced earning opportunities. The scope for philosophers lies in exploring fundamental questions, advancing critical thinking, and shaping societal discourse. As philosophical inquiry remains essential to various disciplines and public discourse, philosophers play a pivotal role in academia, research, policy-making, and public engagement. While becoming a well-established philosopher may require dedication, the pursuit offers intellectual fulfilment and the opportunity to influence philosophical thought globally.

AMU Entrance Exam M.A. (Philosophy)

Philosophers possess critical thinking, analysis, and theoretical reasoning skills that make them valuable in various industries beyond academia. Here are some industries where philosophers can find opportunities:

1. Education and Academia: Teaching and research roles in universities, colleges, and schools offer a natural path for philosophers to share their expertise and engage in intellectual discourse.
2. Publishing and Media: Philosophers can write books, articles, and opinion pieces for newspapers, magazines, online platforms, and publishing houses.
3. Research and Think Tanks: Philosophers contribute to policy analysis, ethical considerations, and social research in think tanks, research institutions, and advocacy organizations.
4. Technology and Ethics: Philosophers can address emerging technologies' ethical and societal implications by working in tech companies, startups, and ethics committees.
5. Law and Legal Services: Philosophers' analytical skills are beneficial for legal research, argumentation, and ethical considerations in law firms, courts, and legal organizations.
6. Government and Public Policy: Philosophers contribute to ethical and moral considerations in policy-making, working in government agencies, advisory roles, and public policy research.
7. Healthcare and Bioethics: Philosophers can guide medical decision-making, research ethics, and bioethical considerations.
8. Nonprofit and Advocacy Organizations: Philosophers can engage in ethical discussions, social justice initiatives, and advocacy work in nonprofit and humanitarian organizations.
9. Business and Ethics Consultancy: Philosophers can help businesses navigate ethical dilemmas, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable practices.
10. Environmental Ethics: Philosophers contribute to discussions on environmental conservation, sustainable development, and ethical considerations in environmental policy.
11. Arts and Culture: Philosophers can explore aesthetic theories, curate art exhibitions, and contribute to cultural criticism in museums, galleries, and arts organizations.
12. Religious Institutions: Philosophers focusing on theology or religious studies can work in religious organizations, offering insights into faith, belief, and moral philosophy.
13. Communication and Public Relations: Philosophers' analytical skills can be valuable in crafting effective messaging, analyzing public discourse, and managing communication strategies.
14. Social Services and Counseling: Philosophers can work in counselling, therapy, and social services, offering philosophical approaches to personal and societal challenges.
15. Entertainment and Media Production: Philosophers can contribute to scriptwriting, content creation, and philosophical discussions in film, TV, and online media.