Baylor Graduate Will Talk on Nov. 2 About where a Philosophy Degree Can Lead

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WACO, Texas (Oct. 31) - "Students who major in philosophy are often asked, 'But what can you do with it?'" said Michael Beaty, Ph.D., professor and chair of the department of philosophy at Baylor University.
The study of philosophy is important in many aspects. It helps to distinguish between good and bad reasoning; aids in clarifying, evaluating and justifying beliefs; and assists in developing a world view that brings order and meaning to life. Philosophy enables one to think clearly about issues of fundamental importance, according to the department of philosophy.
A degree in philosophy can lead to many places. For 2011 graduate Amanda Mendiola, it took her from Baylor to The University of Texas School of Law. Mendiola will speak at Baylor on Friday, Nov. 2, to answer the question, "But What Can You Do with a Philosophy Major?"
"What we hope students will get from her presentation is insight into the various ways that philosophy can help prepare students for law school -- and for other professional programs such as medical school -- and for graduate school in a variety of disciplines to include philosophy," Beaty said.
"Of course, the most important reason to major in anything, including philosophy, is because the subject matter elicits from you a passionate interest, and by one's devotion to the subject matter, one acquires a transformative educational experience that brings delight as one develops intrinsically valuable intellectual and moral habits and skills," he said.
Mendiola is from Austin and graduated magna cum laude from Baylor's College of Arts & Sciences with a bachelor's degree in philosophy. In the spring of her first year at UT law, she was named a quarter-finalist in the Thad T. Hutcheson Moot Court Competition. She is a member of the Board of Advocates and of the Chicano/Hispanic Law Students' Association. She also volunteers with The Seedling Foundation, mentoring middle school students whose parents are incarcerated.
The lecture will take place at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, in Morrison Hall 120, 1410 S. Fifth St. on Baylor's campus in Waco.
For more information, contact Michael Beaty at (254)710-4806 or by email at Michael_Beaty@Baylor.edu
by Rebecca Malzahn , student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
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Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.
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The College of Arts & Sciences is Baylor University's oldest and largest academic division, consisting of 26 academic departments and 13 academic centers and institutes. The more than 5,000 courses taught in the College span topics from art and theatre to religion, philosophy, sociology and the natural sciences. Faculty conduct research around the world, and research on the undergraduate and graduate level is prevalent throughout all disciplines. Visit www.baylor.edu/artsandsciences