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I'm forced to vote yes on this question simply because we all must live in a real world of stark economic reality. Of course, no form of education that improves the mind is a waste of time. A person of college student age has the unique experience of being exposed to all types of learning influences, and should carefully file them away in memory as building blocks in a store of intelligence, to put to use when it is time to face that real world.

The reason I voted yes on the question was because I believe earning a degree in philosophy is totally impractical, and an unrealistic goal if the graduate expects to earn a living. The graduate can't use that kind of academic degree to get a meaningful job, unless the job is teaching other philosophy majors. Employment prospects, particularly in today's very shaky economy, can be particularly cruel to those who've spent years in college without acquiring a marketable profession.

If my children or anyone else would consider enrolling in college today, and if they were determined to major in philosophy, my advice would be to first realistically consider their futures. I'd ask them to do some heavy homework on job prospects today, and projections for four years hence when they'd be starting their careers.

I would not object if they'd insist on enrolling for purely academic subjects, including philosophy, history and literature, I'd advise them to take those courses as freshmen and sophomores, but not choose them exclusively as their majors. In those first two years, I'd suggest they also take basic courses related to preparing for careers, such as engineering, business, accounting, math, science and pre-med. I'd remind them to begin considering various professional careers from the very start of their freshman year.

After they've successfully completed their sophomore years, I'd strongly advise them to cut out or cut back on academics and concentrate on earning degrees in professional majors. Additionally, if their grade point averages were high, and they want to improve their professional career qualifications, I'd strongly advise that they continue on to earn master's degrees. This could make thems even more marketable.

College courses in philosophy and the other purely academic studies are certainly not a waste of time. However, fortunately or unfortunately, our market-driven economy requires and hires college graduates who can begin practicing their professional skills as soon as they've earned that market-related degree.

Learn more about this author, Ted Sherman.
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