After almost 15 years, the Department of History at the Faculty of Humanities and Education has reintroduced Philosophy. Socrates, The Father of Western of Philosophy, was overheard dialoguing with students sitting with their laptops in front of the Alma Jordan Library:
Socrates: Tell me, young scholars, why do you come to this place of learning?
Students: To get a degree, of course, so that I can find good job.
Socrates: Ah, so the purpose of education is employment? Then tell me, does a job guarantee wisdom?
Students: Not really, but it helps us make money which we need to live.
Socrates: Indeed, money helps us live. But does it teach us how to live well?
Students: We learn that from experience, not from classes.
Socrates: Then what is the role of your professors? Do they give you knowledge or merely information?
Students: Information, mostly. We memorise facts, pass exams, and move on.
Socrates: So, you possess facts, but do you examine them? For what use is knowledge if it does not lead to wisdom?
Students: But wisdom is hard to measure. Employers don’t ask for wisdom. They ask for technical skills.
Socrates: And yet, without wisdom, skills may be used for harm.
Students: Yes, but it can change the world.
Socrates: Then should it not be guided by wisdom, lest it change the world for the worse?
Students: So, you’re saying that universities should teach us how to live, not just how to work?
Socrates: Precisely. For the unexamined life, even with a degree, is not worth living.
Research shows that graduates of philosophy programmes bring unique strengths of transferable soft skills (critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, leadership) that make them highly employable and effective in diverse workplaces. They can analyse complex problems and adapt to new challenges more readily with strategic foresight and ethical clarity.
Philosophy, along with technical competencies, represent complementary strengths, which is why diverse teams often outperform homogeneous ones. Specifically, philosophy graduates are trained to evaluate arguments, spot assumptions, and reason and communicate clearly, possessing strong writing and speaking abilities. Philosophy doesn’t train you for one job—it trains you to think for every job.
Philosophy is not about abstract speculation for Central Bank leaders. It’s about better judgement, ethical clarity, and strategic foresight. It equips managers to handle complexity, communicate with precision, and maintain public trust in an institution whose legitimacy depends on confidence.
Students currently enrolled the Introduction to Philosophy class speak of the ways they’ve benefited so far.
“Every class explained new ways of thinking and understanding exactly why we do things the way we do. Every question was met with a multitude of answers that invited more questions thus allowing us to come together to get solutions. It was a great and engaging experience,” said Carissa Williams, a student of Physics.
Alicia John’s thoughts were similar. “My experience in the Philosophy course has been really eye-opening and thought- provoking. It encouraged me to question my beliefs, think more deeply about life and reality, and consider different perspectives. I found it challenging at times, but overall, it was a rewarding experience that helped me grow intellectually,” said the International Tourism Management student.
“The class was very informative,” Eliseo Villaroel from Modern Language & Linguistics stated. “It provided insight on new concepts which can be useful for reflection daily.”
Of all of the lessons to be learned, course lecturer Professor Surendra Arjoon underscored one: that beyond knowledge, wisdom must be the true goal of education to promote the well-lived life. He expressed concerns with the lecture-heavy, exam- driven education that may discourage rational inquiry.
“The etymology of the word philosophy is philo (love) and sophia (wisdom),” he said. “Philosophy means the love of wisdom. It opens your heart and mind, and addresses the critical challenge in our society: those with small hearts and minds. Aristotle provides the antidote toward acquiring the key virtue of magnanimity, which means great souls with big hearts and big minds. An examined life is worth living!”
For the next academic year, Introduction to Philosophy and Applied Ethics are on offer.
(The Socratic dialogues owe a debt to Microsoft Co-Pilot)
