A philosophy professor teaches students to read hard texts, build and test arguments, and write clearly, while also doing original research. Most full-time jobs need a Ph.D. (74% of workers), and the market is very competitive, so this roadmap goes from learning the discipline, to getting into and through a graduate program and onto the job market, to building a research and teaching career. You will also learn what hiring committees look for: a strong writing sample, teaching evidence, and a clear research agenda. It is a long road, usually 6 to 8 years after your bachelor's degree, but each
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Every stage from beginner to expert, with lessons, practice drills, projects, interview questions and free resources. Free with a Rolearch account.
Stage 1 of 3 · about 16 weeks
Read philosophy accurately, analyze and write arguments, and decide which area of philosophy is yours.
Close reading and argument reconstruction
Philosophy is mostly arguments. Before you can criticize a view you must state it fairly: premises, conclusion, and hidden assumptions. Professors do this every day when they teach and referee papers.
Formal and informal logic
Logic gives you precise tools for checking validity and spotting fallacies. It is also required or expected in nearly every graduate program and you will teach it often.
Survey of the main areas and the history of philosophy
You need breadth (ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, ancient, modern) to teach intro courses and to find the area where you want to specialize.
Philosophical writing
Papers are how the field communicates and how you will be judged. Clear, narrow, well-structured papers beat grand vague ones.
Then 2 more stages (about 328 weeks in all) with lessons, drills, projects, 6 interview questions with strong answers and free resources.