Should all cadets study Philosophy?

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 08:48:42 -0500

http://www.govexec.com/defense/2014/11/why-air-force-cadets-need-study-philosophy/99428/?oref=govexec_today_nl

Why Air Force Cadets Need to Study Philosophy

Greater emphasis on humanities means more well-rounded decision making.

Response by SGT Steve Vincent made Nov 20 at 2014 9:22 AM

SGT Steve Vincent — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 09:22:08 -0500

I believe everyone should study philosophy. In grade school. We used to teach our young men (and later, women) things that would actually set them up to become contributing members of society. Philosophy is one of the many things that were cut out and deemed unneeded. I received a classical education, as I was homeschooled by my father, who was also a minister. I studied Theology, Latin, Ancient History, American History, math, the Sciences, and I had to read all the literary classics and poetry. People tend to look at me a bit askew, because if I'm not actively doing something, I have my face buried in a book, 9 times out of 10. My friends aren't really readers, but to each their own. They just couldn't get past me at work, though. I used to bounce at a bar, and on slow nights I would bring a book to read, while sitting by the door. There I am, all 6'6" 250lbs of me, sitting on a stool in a bar, reading Dostoevsky's The Idiot. Can't tell you how many conversations that started! Or Plato, Seneca, Cicero, or any of thousands of others. They just couldn't correlate the 2 pictures they were seeing. I have always enjoyed letting people underestimate my intelligence. It has saved my ass more times than I can count!

Response by Cpl Christopher Allen-Shinn made Nov 20 at 2014 9:30 AM

Cpl Christopher Allen-Shinn — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 09:30:26 -0500

I earned a double major in history and philosophy as an undergraduate, so I'm biased SGM Private RallyPoint Member. I firmly believe in the value of studying the humanities, especially within the technically oriented environment of the USAFA. The study of ethics supports leadership development, religious studies can promote an appreciation for diversity, and epistemology (the study of knowledge) can be very humbling to even the greatest intellectual. So, of course, my answer to your original question is yes, all service academy cadets should study philosophy.

Response by SGT James Hastings made Nov 20 at 2014 9:57 AM

SGT James Hastings — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 09:57:35 -0500

I would think that studying philosophy at the very least would expose a person to how various people analyze a problem. Learning how to do this should help in many of life's situations.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 11:11 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 11:11:36 -0500

I do think every cadet should have a couple of philosophy classes. My philosophy classes taught me a lot about methods of thinking, looking at both sides of an issue, and effectively structuring an argument.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 9:01 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 21:01:26 -0500

I think at the minimum a basic understanding of philosophy should be required for all military leaders. While in college I took multiple philosophy classes that challenged everyone in class to think in a way that you are not use to. For instance, what if the situation you are in has no correct/good answers, you loose no matter what you do. Different philosophers have came up with different ways of thinking about it, and what they believe is an ethical way of acting. Military leaders will be placed in tough decisions, and a basic philosophy knowledge can only be beneficial.

Just to let you know, I got my commission from OCS and we took several philosophy classes while we were there.

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Jun 2 at 2015 3:24 PM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 15:24:56 -0400

It depends on who is teaching the class. Many professors only want to talk about their own philosophy. I think learning the Socratic method would be an invaluable tool.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 4:34 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 16:34:14 -0400

Cadets and Mids are "ladies and gentlemen in training"...so yes, I think exposure to the humanities is very important. However, we may focus too much on "how" officer candidates think...and not enough on teaching them the basics for success in their first tours. Will young Mr./Ms. DIVO/Platoon Commander's people speak fluent Proustian? Probably not. I've long advocated an "immersion" experience for officer candidates...let them serve a couple weeks as an E1 in a representative unit for their respective track. Obviously, the command's senior leadership should know who they are, but allow them to 'feel' what it's like to be a Blue Shirt without the "finesse" applied to Mids on summer cruise. When they get back to the classroom, the higher-end "theory" will have a sound application to root itself in.