Do you like thinking deep, complicated thoughts and exploring difficult subjects for truth? If so, the life of a philosopher may be right for you.

Philosophers are often associated with ancient Greeks like Plato, but Philosophy is still a respected disciple with practical applications in today’s society. The modern day application of philosophy can be found in the medical field with treatment and right to life questions like who can receive limited donated organs. The study of philosophy also helps train professionals in a variety of disciples and courses of study from history to medicine and even the sciences.

The study of philosophy is a study in how to think. It trains the mind to think in a logical manner about topics that are often difficult to define in black or white terms. It also helps people to discuss and formulate a solid argument around complex topics. While you often find philosophers in the academic arena as a professor of philosophy or religion, you can also find philosophers in the medical field, in computer science and even in the legal field.

Colleges and Universities comprise the largest employer of professional philosophers with around 15,500 employed in the United States with an average salary of $66,000 a year.http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes251126.htm Most philosophers reside in college towns or larger metropolitan areas, however philosophers that are not officially employed can practice their discipline anywhere conducive for thinking. Some famous philosophers such as Henry David Thoreau practice philosophizing in the woods, mostly in a solitary fashion.

The term philosophy comes from a Greek word that means, "love of wisdom".http://atheism.about.com/od/aboutphilosoph1/a/philosophyintro_2.thm Developing this love requires studding the great philosophers throughout time. Study the ancient great philosophers from Aristotle to Nietzsche and Immanuel Kant. Many of the works by ancient philosophers are the foundation for modern philosophical thought.

It is best to read these great philosophers through a course of study that helps you investigate their patterns of thought, methods of deduction and formulation of logic. A formal education in this regard can be extremely helpful because a professor or teacher can guide you on the order of reading most conducive to gaining a solid foundation in philosophy.

While reading these philosophers you should always read with a critical mind and how their thoughts have every day applications. By tying your reading to current philosophical dilemmas, your philosophical study will have more impact. You should also take your time. Most philosophical texts are not written in a manner conducive to speed-reading and may require multiple readings for true comprehension. When reading ancient texts, keep in mind that many have contextual meaning that was important to the time in which it was reading, but may not have the same meaning today.http://www.philosophypages.com/sy.htm

Reading philosophy can give you a great foundation and preparation for philosophical debates and discussions. From the time of the ancient Greeks, verbal discussions were an integral part of being a philosopher. At times, the philosophical method was used to debate a topic, at times to develop a theory and other times as a teaching method.

The basic philosophic texts are written in a similar manner of the verbal dialogue that is used in philosophy. To debate in a philosophical manner, you should be prepared. Learn about the topic you will be discussing and research it from various perspectives so you fully comprehend the topic matter. When entering the philosophical dialogue determine that you will respect others, their options and take the time to listen and analyze their position.

The best philosophers are great listener. While you will respect each other, you must realize that philosophical dialogue naturally leads to conflicts. This conflict, when handled properly, can be the basis of a strong philosophical dialogue. Ask questions where appropriate to help draw conclusions and come to a consensus. While not every philosophical dialogue will end up in a definite resolution, the purpose of the exercise is to discover truth.

Philosophers must be able to express their thoughts in multiple manners, especially in written form. Written words can be reviewed easier and more thoroughly than those expressed verbally during a conversation. As many professional philosophers are also professors, they must use skills in writing to publish papers in journals and other media outlets. Their ability to think may be requested to help shed light on vexing problems in a community or discipline.

When writing about a philosophical topic, understand the topic completely. It is best to keep a question that you want to answer in mind. This may require having one main question, or multiple smaller questions to cover the topic appropriately.

After determining a question, interpret the topic fairly, in the light of standard philosophical thought. Develop criticisms, draw conclusions and support your assertions through evidence and even philosophical arguments. While your philosophical opinion can be expressed, you must provide amble justification. Whenever possible, you should also present alternatives and provide pros and cons for each side alternative presented.http://www.philosophypages.com/sy.htm

Throughout your writing, make sure you use concrete language and write in a clear, concise manner in order for your audience to understand you. Philosophers that write like an ancient philosopher will not be able to reach a modern audience other than other philosophers.