Philosophy or Psychology?

[Requin]

As I'm going to college in September..I can't for the life of me decide which of these I want to take.
I already have three others....but the last subject is one of these two.

I don't want you to tell me what to do, as that would be pointless.
I want to know from people who are doing the subject or used to, what's it like???

Obviously, it's taught in different ways in different places, I just want an idea really?
Help.

EDIT: At the moment I'm not planning on taking either as a career..:D
I'm interested in both, can't decide?

[rsc4life]

Well from what I hear, they both have perks. I have heard of a lot of journalists who took philosophy and even majored in it, but if you are looking for a solid career go for psychology.

Now if you are just wondering which class to take, take philosophy. I am sure it would be a cool experience. I wish I was old enough to take it, although my mind probably couldn't wrap around the subject matter.

[MisterAndrews]

I take Psychology and RS (like philosopy.... but from a religious point of view)

If you want to understand how people think, take psychology. I love it! We've done eyewitness testonomy, autism, language aqusition and behaviour in children. We're currently studying sleep.

From what i gather, philosophy is how we make choices. Ethics, morals and things like that.

Hope this helps :-)


PS. What else are you taking at A-Level?
What career do you have in mind?

[byee]

Dr. Joe! I like it. A lot.


I think psychology is endlessly fascinating b/c it's something that relates to us, as people. It's the study of ourselves, it's something that you can identify with and understand on a very personal level, it's not at all abstract. In addition to using that understanding, you have to use yourself in the treatment process, you (as the psychologist) become the agent of change, working closely with the person, 'joining' with them. Fascinating.

I don't think your choice is binary, Joe, an 'either/or' situation. Psychological principles are very compatible with the humanistic philosophical views, so although you're thinking about, and undertanding the person based on knowledge of psychological principles, the broader context of understanding is really quite philosophical: The empowerment of the person, the essential goodness of man, etc. and the resultant problems when those drives are somehow interferred with.

And although I know you said you don't want advice, you also know me well enough to know that won't stop me from offering it here: I think you'd make a wonderful psychologist, you have the right balance of personal attributes to approach mankind in a very soothing and curative way. Go for it.

[Requin]

Thanks guys...I have a fasination with magic and illusion etc..
That helps..kind of Derren Brown magic, but I'm also taking History, English Literature and Film Studies.

[MisterAndrews]

well they told us when we applied that history goes well with philosophy. It really depends on what you;d like your CV to reflect, determined of course by what youd like to do. If you like magic and illusion i think youd like psychology.... dont ask me why, i just get the feeling.

[Jean Poutine]

philosophy. no contest.

[tjs1]

My vote is psychology. My brother majored in it and loved it. I am thinking about it as well. He now has a great job (not related to psychology, though)

[NextToNormal]

i think you should go with pshychology. i take it now and i absolutely love it.

[Dreaming Cannibal]

i can only tell you about philosophy……
well all the theories and the way of thinking of the philosopher are amazing and everthing, but learning everything including the history kills me… especially since for me history is one of the worst subject if the teacher doesnt not know how to teach it. but philosophy sure its worth the history……… and ever the part of my signature that says god is dead and we killed him is a philosophical theory!……:)

[Underground_Network]

To my knowledge both are incredible courses. My mom and dad both took philosophy in college and though my dad doesn't speak much of it (he's a math teacher who doesn't take much interest in anything other than, well, math), my mom always tells me how fun her philosophy class was. I have an interest in taking both in college (and I actually have the opportunity to take psychology in high school), and I think the choice ultimately lies in what you like more. They do coincide somewhat, but philosophy (I think) is a little bit more of a "fun" class, but you do have to "think" hard sometimes, while psychology is a more "serious" class. That's not to say that in one you just fool around and in the other you just do work, but it's to say that I think philosophy is more for someone who doesn't plan on pursuing at as a future career, whereas psychology is something you'd probably want to major in as opposed to just taking it on the side... But again, the ultimate choice is up to you, and I really have no clue what I'm talking about. ;)

[Requin]

No, thanks adam you helped me...and everyone else.
You all helped me a lot...I was kind of leaning towards Philosophy anyway...maybe I should of mentioned that? :-)

But I'm going for Philosophy anyway...it makes much more sense from what a tutor at the college told me. (Apparently University's love philosophy :-))

[Underground_Network]

No thanks? 0.o :P

I wasn't aware that I had offered something lol; and I was suggesting philosophy from the git-go. 0.o

But its good to hear you've made a decision. ;)

[Requin]

I should of put a comma after the 'no' really shouldn't I?

Thank You Adam...for helping. :-)
I'd rep you but it won't let me.

[Sapphire]

How can you make a career out of philosophy?

Qualifications in psychology can take you into near enough any career. For example, it helps in the police force, in medicine, in management and in law.

[Θάνατος]

I would take Psychology first but I am sure most colleges will have you end up taking both at some before your graduate. I know that I have been looking into what classes to take and I think that I am required to take both as my core classes.

[Requin]

Neither are core....no subjects at college are core.
I don't want to use philosophy as a career. But my aim is to go to University and universties like Philosopy as a subject...so if they've seen that I've take it..then they'll like me more. :-)

That's the plan anyway.

[Sapphire]

Go with the one you'd enjoy the most as that is the one you will be more motivated to work in! Universities look at the grades you get more than the subjects you get them in tbh.

[ECGBUnni]

i take TOK for IB, which is basically a college intro on philosophy, condensed.

Unis love philosophy. Grad schools...love philosophy. I...love philosophy. It's one of my favorite classes even though the teacher's an ass and I have like 3x more homework in that class...ya.

However, I have an immense interest in psychology, and it would b awesome to take a class...

just wanted to leave my thoughts

[Jean Poutine]

Philosophy shapes one's life. I know my life has changed for the better because of my interest in philosophy

You took the good choice. Right next to languages of course.

I need minions. Graduate in Linguistics like I did and we'll rule the world by the force of our multilinguism.

[Mannequin]

Psychology. I know you said you don't want to major in it...which is good. its pretty much pointless unless you get a PHd or go through med school.

[MisterAndrews]

Not really... Psychology's good for a lot of things. Childcare, child psychology, shrinks, managers, working with people who have brain damage etc. Knowing how people's minds work opens doors... its not useless at all

[Capote]

If I were you, I would most definitely major in Psychology. Psychology will open many doors for you. You can either become a Psychologist, professor, researcher, hospital/patient educator. The list keeps going on and on; however, If you major in Philosophy, I believe all you can do with that is either become a professor or a research assistant.

[Requin]

I don't want to follow either subject as a CAREER.
I just want to take one...I don't want a job like a proffesor or doctor or carer etc.

Just a side note.

[OnlyByTheNight.]

Psychology is defo the way to go man! It would be so interesting to study it! Go for the psychology man!!!

[byee]

Hey Joe, did I mention I like psychology?

[Halibut]

well i really want to take psychology . it seems intense and intresting. but do what your heart says to do

[Antares]

I say major in Phsychology, that way youc an at least get a job :P
and then do some work in the philosophy field siince it can go under psych

[Stark]

Psychology