Is Studying Philosophy Hard? A Guide to Understanding Philosophy's Challenges and Rewards
In short: Yes, **philosophy can be challenging**—but it’s also one of the most rewarding intellectual pursuits you can undertake. While it may require hard work, dedication, and a willingness to wrestle with difficult ideas, philosophy can transform the way you think, see the world, and engage with others.
In this article, we will break down the challenges and rewards of studying philosophy so you can better understand what is in store for you and also how to approach this fascinating discipline.
1. The Challenge: Abstract and Complex Concepts
One of the most common reasons people feel that philosophy is hard, is because it deals strictly with **abstract concepts** and **theoretical ideas**. Philosophers often address questions that can be **deeply theoretical**, such as:
* **What is the nature of reality?**
- **Do we have free will?**
- **What does it mean to live a good life?**
- **How do we know what we know?**
Unlike subjects like **math** or **history**, which deal with concrete facts and events, philosophy often involves **ideas that can't be directly observed** or empirically proven. This can make it hard to wrap your head around certain topics, especially when philosophers use dense, specialized language to explain their ideas.
For example, the reading of Immanuel Kant on metaphysics or Friedrich Nietzsche on will to power can indeed be like attempting to swim through thick fog. But do not be disheartened because these texts do call for patience, to be reread often, and reflected upon carefully.
How to Meet the Challenge:
- **Read slowly:** Philosophy is not a discipline that should be hurried. Take the time to read slowly, reflecting as you go on what you are reading.
- **Look for summaries**: Before you try to make sense of a challenging text, first read summaries or secondary sources that would give you a better view of what the author has argued.
- **Break it down**: Break up complicated texts into smaller chunks and focus on one idea at a time. Reread sections if you do not understand them the first time.
- **Ask questions**: If something does not make sense, seek online discussions, or ask professors or peers about it. Philosophy is all about the **elucidation of ideas through questions**.
2. The Barrier: The Philosophical Vernacular
Another reason that philosophy seems difficult is in the nature of **specific terminology**. Most philosophers use expressions that are unusual in an everyday colloquium. Words such as **epistemology**, **ontological**, or **dialectic** may sound uncommon to an untrained person.
These terms are not here to confuse you; they're just something philosophers use to **convey their ideas in detail**. Mastering these terms may take some time, but with practice, they will carry you through even the toughest discussions.
The Challenge Explained:
- **Vocabulary building**: Jot down unfamiliar words and learn their meanings over time. It will take time to master the vocabulary, but eventually, you will find your reading in the future quite easy.
- **Use a glossary**: Many books of philosophy contain glossaries in which key terms are defined. You can also use online glossaries in philosophy.
- **Look for context**: Even if you don't know every term, try to get the meaning from the context. Sometimes, understanding the broader argument can help you infer what certain terms mean.
3. The Challenge: Reading Dense Texts
Most of the influential works in philosophy are **dense** and written in a style different from what we generally read. In most philosophical texts, one needs to read **slowly and deliberately**, pausing often to process what has been said. Authors such as **Plato**, **Aristotle**, **Descartes**, and **Hegel** are particularly difficult unless one is used to their writing style.
Philosophy is also characterized by **dialogicality**: thinkers debate through **extended chains of argumentation**. Understanding a given philosopher may involve the reading of other philosophers within that line of thought for better apprehension of what was initially said or meant.
Tackling the Challenge:
- **Start with easier texts**: If you're new to philosophy, begin with more accessible authors and works. Books like **“Sophie's World”** by **Jostein Gaarder** or **"The Philosophy Book"** by **DK** provide a helpful introduction to key philosophical concepts and thinkers.
- **Take notes**: While reading, jot down your thoughts, summaries, or questions. Writing down what you understand—and what confuses you—helps clarify your thinking.
- **Discuss with others**: Philosophy often comes into focus in discussion. Join philosophy groups, participate in online forums, or engage a friend in talking about some of the ideas you're reading.
4. The Challenge: The Nature of Philosophical Inquiry
Philosophy is not a problem to be solved, like a math problem, where there is one answer. The questions of philosophy are often **open-ended** and **without clear answers**. For instance, in studying ethics, you may learn that there are **several competing theories** about what constitutes a "just" action, and there might not be a single answer to moral dilemmas.
This can be frustrating, especially if you're used to subjects where facts and answers are clearly defined. Philosophy doesn't always give you straight answers; it's more about helping you **think critically**, **question assumptions**, and **explore new perspectives**.
How to Tackle the Challenge:
- **Embrace ambiguity**: Understand that in philosophy, there may not be one "correct" answer. That is the beauty of exploring the nuances and complexities of each idea.
- **Think for yourself**: Philosophy encourages you to **form your own opinions**. You may not agree with every philosopher you read, and that's okay. What matters is developing your ability to think critically and analyze ideas.
- **Focus on the process**: The journey of asking questions, developing arguments, and considering different viewpoints is often more important than finding a clear-cut answer.
5. The Reward: Better Critical Thinking Skills
While philosophy can be hard, one of the biggest rewards is its potential to **improve your critical thinking**. Philosophy trains you to:
**Examine assumptions**: It helps you question your very own beliefs and assumptions so that you develop a profound insight into your worldview.
**Analyze arguments**: You will learn to establish the strength of arguments and how to recognize logical fallacies and build coherent reasoning.
- **Learn to think abstractly**: Philosophy teaches you to think in abstract terms; hence, it helps you solve those problems that require more than just concrete knowledge.
These skills don't just apply to philosophy—they're useful in **every aspect of life**. Whether you're making decisions at work, participating in debates, or navigating everyday problems, philosophy's emphasis on clear, rational thinking will serve you well.
6. The Reward: Personal Growth and Perspective
Philosophy is about so much more than memorizing theories; it's about big questions of life. The study of philosophy encourages **self-reflection** and helps you to be more **thoughtful** about your life choices, values, and goals. It can help you better understand:
- **Your own beliefs and values**
- **How you relate to others**
- **What it means to live a meaningful life**
By exploring the ideas of great philosophers, you can also **expand your perspective** on the world and better understand other cultures, worldviews, and ways of thinking.
**Conclusion: Yes, It’s Hard—but Worth It!**
Studying philosophy can be tough at times. The ideas can be abstract, the texts dense, and the questions open-ended. But the rewards are immense. **Philosophy will stretch your mind**, sharpen your critical thinking skills, and challenge you to think deeply about your life and the world around you.
If you are committed to learning, questioning, and engaging with ideas, philosophy can be incredibly rewarding. Remember, it's not about quick answers; it's about the journey of thinking, the questions you ask, and how philosophy transforms your approach to life.
So, while philosophy may be challenging, it's also an opportunity to expand your mind, grow as a thinker, and engage in the timeless quest for wisdom.
