How to Be Philosophical Theorist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 28, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The work of the German philosopher Immanuel Kant is often considered the pinnacle of modern philosophical thought. His theories and ideas have had a profound impact on the development of philosophy and, in turn, the way humans think about the world. Kant's focus on the concept of rationality and its importance in understanding experience and reality has been hugely influential in the way that philosophers, scientists, and even ordinary people approach questions of knowledge, morality, and existence.

His theories of the "categorical imperative," which states that individuals should only act according to that which they would wish to be universal law, and his "transcendental idealism," which looks at the relationship between the individual and the world, have shaped modern ethical and epistemological thought. Kant's impact on philosophical thought can be seen in his influence on later generations of philosophers, including Friedrich Nietzsche, John Rawls, and Jean Paul Sartre.

Steps How to Become

Earn an undergraduate degree in philosophy. A bachelor's degree will provide an understanding of the history and fundamentals of the subject and will give students the skills needed to think critically and logically.
Pursue an advanced degree. To become a philosophical theorist, students will need to pursue a more advanced degree, such as a master's or even a PhD in philosophy.
Study the works of influential philosophers. Taking the time to study the works of famous philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, and Kant will help to develop an understanding of the field and its evolution over time.
Engage in research. A good philosopher will be well versed in the major theories and debates in the field and should have conducted some of their own research in order to understand the subject better.
Develop your own theories. To become a philosophical theorist, one must be willing to think critically and come up with their own theories and ideas about the world.
Publish your work. The best way to get recognition as a philosopher is to publish your theories and ideas in respected journals and books. This can help to establish yourself as an expert in the field.

The acquisition of skills and competency is a process that takes time, effort, and commitment. Developing the necessary knowledge, abilities, and experience requires dedication and dedication to the task. Practicing and honing skills is essential to success.

seeking advice from professionals and mentors can provide valuable insights into what it takes to reach higher levels of skill and expertise. With a clear understanding of the desired end goal, focusing on the steps needed to reach it, and creating an effective plan for achieving it can help propel an individual to greater heights of mastery.

You may want to check Philosophical Debater, Philosophical Mentor, and Philosophical Writer for alternative.

Job Description

Logical Positivist
Epistemologist
Analytic Philosopher
Ethicist
Political Philosopher
Metaphysician
Existentialist
Aesthetics Theorist
Social Contract Theorist
Phenomenologist

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expertise in philosophical theories, concepts, and principles
Ability to analyze and interpret philosophical texts
Knowledge of philosophical history and its major figures
Ability to think critically and logically
Excellent communication and writing skills
Creative problem-solving abilities
Demonstrated research skills
Understanding of ethical and moral principles
Familiarity with computer software programs for research, data analysis, and publication
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with peers

The most important skill to have is the ability to think critically. Being able to think critically allows you to analyze situations, weigh different options, and make decisions based on facts rather than emotion. It enables you to consider different points of view, question assumptions, and come to conclusions based on evidence.

Critical thinking also helps you to better understand complex concepts and theories, such as those proposed by philosophers. With the ability to evaluate arguments and draw conclusions based on facts, you can form your own philosophical theories and develop your own views on the world. Critical thinking gives you the power to make informed, thoughtful decisions in all areas of life.

Philosophy Department Chairperson, Philosophical Critic, and Philosophical Media Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What philosophical theories have you studied and how do they inform your approach to theorizing?
How has your prior research experience helped you develop your philosophical theories?
What challenges have you faced in developing your own philosophical theories?
What is your view on the role of philosophy in modern society?
What philosophical schools of thought are most influential to your work?
How would you evaluate the impact of current trends on philosophical theory?
How do you balance the need for abstract theorizing with practical considerations?
What is your opinion on the relationship between philosophy and other disciplines?
How do you reconcile conflicting views when constructing a new philosophical theory?
What strategies do you employ to stay abreast of new developments in the field of philosophy?

Common Tools in Industry

Ontological Analysis. A method of examining the fundamental nature of reality and the relation of its parts. (Eg: Descartes' ontological argument for the existence of God)
Dialectical Materialism. A philosophical approach that synthesizes materialism and idealism to explain the development of human societies and their ideologies. (Eg: Marx's analysis of class struggle)
Phenomenology. A study of the structures of consciousness and experience as the basis for understanding the world. (Eg: Husserl's phenomenological reduction)
Existentialism. An approach that emphasizes the importance of individual freedom, authenticity, and responsibility in interpreting the meaning of life. (Eg: Sartre's concept of "existence before essence")
Pragmatism. A philosophical approach that holds that the meaning of ideas is determined by their practical effects. (Eg: Dewey's theory of inquiry)
Structuralism. A method of analysis that seeks to explain the underlying structures and form of a given system. (Eg: Levi-Strauss's analysis of myth)
Postmodernism. An approach to knowledge and culture that emphasizes the importance of context and interpretation. (Eg: Foucault's concept of power/knowledge)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association for Philosophy of Law and Social Philosophy (IVR)
The American Philosophical Association (APA)
The British Philosophical Association (BPA)
The Society for Existential and Phenomenological Theory and Culture (EPTC)
The International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP)
The Association for Symbolic Logic (ASL)
The Society for Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy (SMRP)
The North American Kant Society (NAKS)
The European Society for Analytic Philosophy (ESAP)
The Royal Institute of Philosophy (RIP)

We also have Philosophy Journalist, Philosophy Professor, and Philosophical Program Coordinator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Ontology. The branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of being, existence, and reality.
Epistemology. The branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of knowledge and how it is acquired.
Ethics. The branch of philosophy that deals with morality and the principles of right and wrong behavior.
Aesthetics. The branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty and the appreciation of art.
Logic. The branch of philosophy that deals with the principles of correct reasoning.
Metaphysics. The branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of reality beyond the physical world.
Phenomenology. The branch of philosophy that deals with the study of experience, perception, and meaning in human life.
Existentialism. A philosophical movement which emphasizes the existence of the individual as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will.
Pragmatism. A philosophical movement which emphasizes practical applications of ideas over abstract theories.
Idealism. A philosophical movement which focuses on the idea that reality is ultimately an ideal construction rather than a material one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is René Descartes?

René Descartes was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern philosophy. He is best known for his famous philosophical statement, "Cogito ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am).

What is the Cartesian Dualism?

The Cartesian Dualism is a theory proposed by René Descartes which states that the mind and body are two separate and distinct entities that interact, with the mind being composed of an entirely different substance than the physical body. This theory is also known as mind-body dualism.

What is the Principle of Sufficient Reason?

The Principle of Sufficient Reason is a philosophical concept proposed by Gottfried Leibniz which states that all facts must have sufficient causes or reasons to explain them. This principle is also known as the Law of Sufficient Reason.

Who is Immanuel Kant?

Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher who is widely considered to be one of the most influential figures in modern philosophy. He is best known for his works on ethics, epistemology, and aesthetics, and for his famous critiques of rationalism and empiricism.

What is the Categorical Imperative?

The Categorical Imperative is a philosophical concept proposed by Immanuel Kant which states that one must always act in accordance with a universal moral law. This concept is also known as the Universal Law of Morality.

Web Resources

Scientific Evidence: Philosophical Theories and Applications philosophy.jhu.edu
Theoretical Reflections: Theory and Philosophy Should Always nacada.ksu.edu
Philosophy of Education - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy plato.stanford.edu