Is Studying Philosophy in a Chinese Department Worthwhile?178

The question of whether or not to study philosophy in a Chinese department is a complex one with no easy answer. There are many factors to consider, and each student must ultimately decide what is best for them. However, there are some general points that can be made to help you make this decision.

One of the first things to consider is why you want to study philosophy. If you are interested in learning about the history of Chinese thought, then a Chinese department can be a great place to do that. The faculty in these departments are usually experts in their field, and they can provide you with a deep understanding of the major philosophical traditions of China. You will also have the opportunity to read original texts in Chinese, which can give you a much richer understanding of the material than you would get from reading translations alone.

However, if you are more interested in the general study of philosophy, then a Chinese department may not be the best place for you. The fact is that most philosophers who teach in these departments are primarily interested in Chinese philosophy. They may not have the expertise or the interest to teach you about the works of Western thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, or Kant. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. But if you are interested in a broad education in philosophy, then you may be better off majoring in philosophy and taking one or two courses in Chinese philosophy as electives.

Another thing to consider is your career goals. If you want to become a philosopher, then you will need to get a PhD in philosophy. This usually means majoring in philosophy in college and then going on to graduate school. If you major in Chinese, you will not have the necessary background to pursue a PhD in philosophy. It is true that some people with degrees in Chinese have gone on to become philosophers. But this is the exception, not the rule. If you are serious about becoming a philosopher, then you should major in philosophy.

Of course, there are other careers that you can pursue with a degree in Chinese. You could become a translator, a journalist, a diplomat, or a teacher. But if you are interested in a career in philosophy, then you should probably major in philosophy.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to study philosophy in a Chinese department is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. The best thing to do is to consider your interests and goals, and then make a decision that is right for you.

2024-11-04

Previous：Japanese Language Acquisition from a Chinese Perspective

Next：Countries That Learn Mandarin Chinese