Anyone out there a whiz on the basics of philosophy?

Studying philosophy in pre-college is useful but certainly not necessary. I have a Ph.D. in Philosophy and 40 years university level teaching experience. My rates would be $70/hour over the phone or on the net. However, if your main question is "is it for me?" then skip paying anyone: Really all you have to do is read some of the works of philosophy. Most people suggest Plato's early dialogues (Crito, Apology, etc) but in my view the works that give you the best "feel" for philosophy are either Descartes' MEDITATIONS or his DISCOURSE ON METHOD. However, reading Locke is also good. These works are not super easy, but they are manageable by most students. (If someone tells you to read Hegel or Heidegger to get a feel for philosophy --- ignore them!! These writings are way too difficult for a beginner)

You don't need to have studied any philosophy at school to do a philosophy degree. If you love the subject I'm sure any uni whose minimum entry grades are the same or lower than your grades would like to have you on their philosophy degree course (enthusiastic students usually = higher degree scores = better for the uni's reputation).

Here's one league table for the best unis for philosophy

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/table/2010/jun...

Maybe look at the relevant pages for unis you think you'd like to go to and then email the relevant people for more advice/info. It's worth repeating, uni lecturers like enthusiastic students!

I would love to help, what would you like to know?

Also, the best way to see if philosophy is for you is to read the material. A lot of people like the topics in philosophy but a lot of those people don't like in depth philosophical discussion about those topics...

@unnamed:

there you have a thumb up from a random passerby.

[[this means i gave you a thumb UP for the part of your answer which was not infected with useless gender hatred.

thanks a lot for being no more less a dick towards me in return, by giving me a thumb down for pointing out the reason why a user might have been offended... -.- ...]]

i think the "dick" who gave you a thumb down might not have been too pleased by your gender rantings...

because, let's face it, bringing gender into this matter is redundant and childish.

back to the topic:

if you are developing a love for philosophy, then i see no hindrance to try it out and see if your love persists.

you don't have to have any previous experience in this field.

the love for knowledge/wisdom is what really counts.

Hey Hayley!

First of all, let me say GO YOU for studying philosophy and being female! Most of them are males, and I must admit I'm just plain tired of reading books by guys. I am a Graduate student in Philosophy.

Yes, I do consider myself to be a "whiz" at answering questions that are philosophical in nature.

Call me or txt. 251-295-8814 AT&T. or email me hilseejATgmailDOTcom

If a passerby would please give me a thumbs up because some dick gave me a thumbs down without logical basis.

You are not looking for the whiz,

your looking for the "WIZARD."

Philosophy - The Greek word brakes down into "philos."

which is one of the words for love, and "sophia" which is a word for wisdom.

"The love and/or the pursuit of wisdom." <}:-})