Say I did a double major of Philosophy and Psychology would there be less work and classtime for each but still equal out to the equivalent of one major?
It's more work in each subject (none of the credits will "double count" against both majors), but overall you can get it done without having to take extra credits during your 4 years. For example, I have a degree in Economics, a second degree in Philosophy, and a minor in Psychology. And I had enough time within my 4 years to do that, and all my pre-reqs, after switching from my initial program of Computer Science.
Side note: Psychology is also a useless degree unless you plan to go to graduate school. Even then, doctorate program is generally needed to really advance in the field. I took it because I was interested in the subject and felt that understanding it would help me in other interests.
On a scale of difficulty (e.g.-class time, amount of studying, exams, etc) how difficult is this major?
Philosophy isn't that hard if you can understand and retain what you read. There are lots of theories, and they're often written in a complicated way. So you have to read from "10,000 feet" to understand the big picture of what they're saying. You'll also have to take logic classes - these were very easy for my math brain, but many others found logic to be difficult. But most theories are rooted in logic, so it's necessary to understand it.
What do people say about it? what is it's reputation at most colleges? Is it seen as a hard major or an easy major?
Depends on your career goal, but largely, companies could give a crap about Philosophy. Unless you're teaching (someone let me know if I'm forgetting any other professions) or are going to live a spiritual life that doesn't require a career etc. it's a major that needs to be coupled with something else for it to do you any good.
I'm taking one year of general education first and maybe I will change my mind then but for now this is what im interested in.
If at all possible, and I really mean this, take the end of this year and this summer to try job shadowing at a few places. Your guidance counselor should be able to help with that. Or your parents, or your church, or whatever support network. The best way, in my opinion, to start college is to have an idea where you want to end up. Otherwise, you'll end up taking classes that come easily to you (like me with Economics.. there are only 12 economists in the country.. bad choice on my part) rather than classes that point you towards a career you have an interest in.
I just dont want to get in over my head with this and find out that Philosophy is not for me. My brother chanegd is major 3 times and ended up finishing with a degree in sociology....he is currently an accountant...
I'd rather not go that route so i really want to be sure that I want to study this...
Job shadow, job shadow, job shadow. A week in the life of a real job is eye opening. Then again, you also have to balance future material needs/wants (do you want a family? do you want a nice house? do you like to travel?) against the jobs that you like and strike a balance. Me? I'd have loved to be a landscape architect. I didn't job shadow, so I never knew. And now, the ramp up time to get my salary in that field to the same level as the salary I already have would be crippling to our family. So, it is not a possibility. Doing the up front work now isn't fun, but you'll thank yourself later.
Then again...do I really exist?
Ok, here's the first Philosophy joke (regarding perception and reality) you'll hear at school.
"A piece of string walks into the bar. The bartender says 'Can't you see the sign? We don't serve string here!! Get out!' So the string walks out and goes around to the side of the building. He ties himself into a knot and then frazzles his ends up. After this, he goes back into the bar. The bartender looks at him and says 'Aren't you the string I just kicked out of here?' The string replies, 'No, I'm a frayed knot'"
edit: If that's not the first joke you hear, then this will be:
"Rene Descartes is sitting on a plane and the stewardess comes by and asks 'Would you like some tea?' Rene answers 'I think not'. And then he disappears"
Hint: Google "Cogito, ergo sum" if the joke doesn't make sense.
Bob R.
Pixie whirl
yeah you've got me surprised by this too. And I'll be asking for some advice on this as well come GRASS because I think I'm slurring the dex on some of my better attempts.
