Studying philosophy can be a fascinating experience. I had the opportunity to study philosophy formally during my MBA days. I studied at Goa University and IIT Bombay and I enjoyed the multi disciplinary approach. I could attend classes from any department in both these institutes after taking prior permission from the faculty.
We MBA students were the most boisterous in the college canteen. We would make the loudest din and were a “nuisance” to others. But come the annual sports events or the cultural fest, we would walk away with most of the prizes. One of my friends was pursuing masters in philosophy. She one day commented that although she admired our enthusiasm and intelligence, she disapproved our opportunistic and selfish behavior. I got into a debate with her on the how and why managers should behave in an “opportunistic” manner. At the end of the debate I realized how shallow my arguments were and we went into a long discussion on the role of philosophy in management. She later invited me to attend her class. I never attended her classes but I spent a lot of time with her in the canteen and library discussing applying philosophy to real life.
The first thing that I learnt was that philosophy consists of five tracks – logic, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and aesthetics. I also picked up a simple definition of philosophy – “logical clarification of the thought process”. I learnt that when studying philosophy you did not study topics but you studied philosophers. So if one is examining issues such as the role of science in society, one would study the views of different philosophers on this topic. It dwelled upon me that also realized that philosophy is different from theology. I was interested in western philosophy that starts from the work of Socrates, then Plato and Aristotle. I then started applying these principles in my MBA courses and viola…I had a totally different view point from the class. This sowed the seeds of me doing a doctoral program… and I went on to top my university :)
An MBA equipped me with the necessary attitude and skills required to become a generalist. However, having exposure to philosophical issues gave my personality a scholastic touch. As I progressed in my career, I realize how I had used my philosophical dialog skills in those key interactions – that last minute pitch for the sale, the last minute review with my seniors, discussions with my colleagues and juniors etc. I picked up skills that helped me:
1. Look at the issue objectively
2. Go beyond the rhetoric
3. Identify “holes in arguments”
4. Generate alternative hypothesis
5. Provide evidence for my arguments and further the thread of evidence
6. Articulate me ideas convincingly
In my forthcoming posts I would like to illustrate how philosophical principles may be applied to real life corporate issues.
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I got a philosophy background also. It has helped me understand ideas from a more logical view but I have learned that most opinions are gut or emotion based which are then backed up with some logical or illogical arguments.
I feel.... then 'these are the reasons I feel..." In working out a problem logic helps but with some people logic has nothing to do with their thought. Seeing things objectively is not an option really since most things are subjective or flawed - my view, my informtion, what we know up to this point, my expert is as good as your expert, etc.
A PhD can have a different opinion than someone who did not get a diploma, and just because they can mount a logical argument does not mean they are right. If they are seeking the truth, maybe but if they are just trying to push their point, probably not.
Philosophy is alo being used in therapy - examining the philosophical underpinnings of a person's view that is getting them stuck. Good theorizing.
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