Bachelor in Philosophy of a Specific Discipline

Why did you decide to study philosophy?

In my first year of MISoC, a very multidisciplinary program, we explored many topics about the global order, power structures, and the various perspectives influencing world leaders. However, I felt that deeper introspection—asking why these leaders behave as they do—was often missing. Philosophy occasionally emerged during discussions, and I've always loved philosophical reflection. So when I discovered I could combine philosophy with my degree to better understand the deeper reasons behind global dynamics, I immediately chose to pursue it.

Have you found answers about why the world is the way it is?

I don’t think I have fully figured it out yet, but I'm increasingly drawn to absurdism and certain post-structuralist ideas—particularly the notion that there isn't a fixed or absolute truth. Truth continually evolves depending on one's changing social, cultural, and economic contexts. I feel these ideas hold essential clues to understanding the complexity of the world.

What does philosophy add to your education and life more broadly?

Philosophy has profoundly enriched my life by bringing clarity, purpose, and meaning. I've always been fascinated by existentialist questions: what does it mean to exist, what is life’s purpose, how do we approach death? Some people find these topics depressing, but for me, engaging deeply with these questions provides comfort and clarity. Philosophy helps me articulate personal purpose and gives direction to my life.

Academically, philosophy complements my MISoC degree remarkably well. It provides new perspectives on global dynamics, institutional power structures, and societal issues, allowing me to see connections more clearly. The theoretical insights from philosophy enrich my practical understanding, helping me to better apply solutions from MISoC and fully utilize my combined education.

In your view, what exactly is philosophy?

That’s indeed a complex question with many possible answers. Recently, while studying different philosophers, I've found that philosophy, to me, is about discovering pieces of your soul. There's a Sanskrit saying, “sarvam khalvidam brahma”, which means all knowledge already exists within us. Philosophy offers us lenses—perspectives from diverse philosophers—helping us uncover the wisdom already hidden within ourselves. For me, philosophy is essentially a journey inward.

What question should I definitely ask you?

Recently, we were discussing this fascinating question in our board: "What is a philosophical cure?" I think that’s a question worth exploring.

So, what is a philosophical cure?

Some people say there isn't really a cure in philosophy because philosophers primarily question rather than solve life's mysteries, sometimes leading to despair. But I actually find philosophy deeply healing. Reading philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Marcus Aurelius, and Aristotle—especially his concept of eudaimonia, which emphasizes happiness through virtues like wisdom, courage, and perseverance—has been therapeutic for me. Even if I don't agree entirely with every philosopher's idea (like continuously pushing a metaphorical boulder uphill), simply understanding the complexities of life and recognizing that others share similar struggles can bring immense comfort. Philosophy reminds me I'm not alone in my confusion and challenges; that, to me, is its true therapeutic power.

Which philosopher or philosophical idea resonates most strongly with you right now?

Currently, the philosopher Rabindranath Tagore resonates deeply with me. He was a Bengali poet and philosopher who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. In his book, The Religion of Man, Tagore beautifully discusses the divinization of humans and the humanization of God. According to him, true spirituality doesn't reside solely in religious rituals, deities, or prayers, but rather in our small, everyday acts of humanity. He emphasizes that God and spiritual essence exist in simple gestures of compassion and kindness—in love and empathy. That perspective speaks profoundly to me right now: spirituality and divinity are found in the quiet, daily expressions of human kindness.

What do you do now? 

I’m currently doing a PhD in legal theory, which is a combination of law and philosophy. I'm exploring the relationship between the rule of law, a complex normative ideal within legal theory, and bureaucracy. 

Interesting subject. What do you think philosophy has added to your education? 

There are multiple ways I could answer that. Have you heard of the difference between hedgehogs and foxes that Isaiah Berlin wrote about? It’s based on a Greek allegory. The fox knows many things, while the hedgehog knows one thing. 
As a law student, I learned one main thing—how to distinguish between the facto and the jure. As a philosophy student, I learned many things. I learned to think like a fox. 

Okay, now a difficult one. What is philosophy? 

That's maybe the most difficult question of all. I would say: philosophy is the constant reformulation of questions. So if I may reformulate your question, I would rather ask: What can we do with philosophy, rather than what it is. 

Do you think there’s a special relationship between law and philosophy? 

I think every discipline has a philosophical component, though doctrinal studies often don’t explore it much—maybe for good reason, because it can be distracting or uncertain. But for me, there is a strong connection between law and philosophy. Law structures society, for better or worse. And philosophy gives us a lens to critically assess those structures. 

What philosopher resonates with you most? 
 

That has to be Derrida. I’ve tried to get rid of him, sometimes I just don’t understand him, but he keeps coming back. He’s haunting me, as he might say himself. 

What do you think philosophy has added to your education?

I work in the events industry, specifically for the artist label of Afrojack. I organise festivals and also do artist management on the side. For example, I organise the CC Festival in Rotterdam, shout-out to CC Festival! Honestly, it hasn’t just enriched my education – it’s had a huge impact on my life in general. It gave me a completely different way of thinking. In Innovation Management, it’s all about finding creative solutions, and that process starts with how you define a problem. 

Philosophy taught me not to just go with the first answer, but to keep asking why. It made me look at multiple perspectives, both in identifying problems and solutions. That way of thinking has shaped not only how I work and study, but also how I approach life and decision-making overall. 

What is philosophy to you?

To me, philosophy is like a different lens for solving life’s puzzles. Life is full of pieces scattered across the board, and philosophy helps you figure out how to put them together. Before I studied philosophy, I often struggled to see the bigger picture. But philosophy filled the gap between problems and solutions. It showed me that there are always multiple ways to approach a challenge. There are multiple ways that lead to Rome. It helped me think in terms of communicative rationality. How to identify a common starting point, understand what we’re working with and then build solutions from there.  

What does philosophy contribute to your career? 

During job interviews, people always asked me: “Why philosophy?” It gave me a great opportunity to talk about my interests and made me stand out. Honestly, I’ve had hour-long conversations with my current employer about philosophy alone. It makes people curious, and it adds something special to your profile. 

Is there a philosopher or idea that resonates with you the most?

For me, it’s Habermas and his idea of communicative rationality. It really opened my eyes to the idea that no matter how different perspectives might be, we can always find a basic common ground to start from. If we can agree on something fundamental, then we can build from there, step by step. That way of thinking has helped me a lot, especially in resolving conflicts and better understanding other people’s perspectives. 

Is there anything else you'd like to add to this conversation?

I just think everyone should consider doing a second degree. It adds so much, not just professionally, but personally. The professors are inspiring, the people you meet are amazing, and honestly, it pushes you to learn things you wouldn't normally study on your own. For example, I wouldn't just pick up a philosophy book in my free time. I have other interests too, but knowing I have to study for an exam gives me that extra push. It helps you grow, both intellectually and as a person.  

Why did you start studying Philosophy?

Well, after my first year of Sociology, I was already reading philosophy books as a hobby, so I figured it would be a good extension of my main field, and I was right. It really helps to have that broader context for many of the concepts we use in Sociology, which are often just taken for granted without much explanation.

Do you think there's a special relationship between Sociology and Philosophy?

Yeah, I think so. Sometimes I feel like they’re just a step away from being the same thing. Both fields try to generalize human experience, though Philosophy might go a bit broader by sometimes stepping outside the human perspective altogether. But they definitely share that aim of trying to understand and generalize how we experience the world, and you can see that in the number of shared thinkers and theories.

When and how did your interest in philosophy begin?

In my final year of high school, I decided to pick up philosophy, mostly out of curiosity since I had some extra room in my schedule. I still vividly remember my very first philosophy class earlier in school, which left a strong impression on me. It introduced intriguing concepts like formal logic and utilitarianism, which sparked an immediate interest. Later, during the COVID pandemic, I found myself with plenty of free time, and I eagerly watched every episode of John Green’s philosophy series. Those episodes were genuinely inspiring, and many of the ideas resonated deeply with me.

What do you think philosophy adds to your education?

The Bachelor in Philosophy of a Specific Discipline involves extensive writing and introduces you to very diverse readings—ranging from Nietzsche's vibrant philosophical reflections to the detailed legal theories of H.L.A. Hart. These texts are distinctly different from the dry, formal academic literature typically found in economics or law. Engaging with philosophy broadens your conceptual horizon and sharpens your analytical abilities. It’s profoundly interdisciplinary, challenging you to think critically across various fields.

What exactly is philosophy, and what unique value does it bring to your academic and professional life?

That's a tough question to answer concisely! To me, philosophy is a comprehensive framework of analysis that encourages deep and critical thinking. It often deals with fundamental questions that overlap with everyday concerns or specialized disciplines—questions about ethics, rational decision-making, or how best to approach scientific inquiry. While disciplines like physics, economics, or law offer valuable insights, philosophy uniquely explores these topics from a broader, reflective, and critical standpoint.

Academically and professionally, philosophy enriches your profile significantly. It signals to employers that you possess advanced critical thinking skills, can analyze complex information sharply, and communicate clearly and convincingly. Philosophy trains you to look beyond surface-level explanations and approach challenges from multiple perspectives, which is incredibly valuable in any career.

You study economics, law, and philosophy. What connects these subjects for you, and what specifically attracts you to philosophy within this combination?

To me, economics, law, and philosophy share a fundamental connection: each discipline explores human choices, societal structures, and institutional dynamics, but each from its own unique vantage point. For instance, if I want to understand how central banks operate or how governments should act, these three areas each provide distinct yet complementary insights.

Within philosophy specifically, I’m particularly fascinated by John Rawls and his renowned thought experiment, the "veil of ignorance." Although I disagree with his conclusion—that a rational society would prioritize improving the conditions of the least advantaged above all—I deeply appreciate Rawls’ structured, coherent method of argumentation. My disagreement arises primarily from an economic perspective concerning probability and risk: it often seems more rational to accept limited risk or disadvantage for some if doing so significantly improves overall happiness and prosperity.

Engaging with such profound and challenging ideas—arguing, analyzing, critiquing—is exactly why philosophy is such a valuable and exciting part of my education. It enhances my ability to think deeply and critically, making philosophy indispensable for anyone aiming to broaden their intellectual horizons.

Why did you choose to add philosophy? 

Because with my medical degree, I'll become a doctor. And being a doctor means working with people. Part of that is understanding what it means to be human. Medicine teaches you a lot about how the human body works, but it doesn’t really explore what it means to be human. I thought I might find those answers in philosophy. And so far, I haven’t been disappointed! Philosophy asks much more fundamental, deeper questions. I find it incredibly fulfilling to explore the many layers philosophy offers in understanding different aspects of being human. This is central to both my medical and philosophical studies. 

I think every person wears a kind of lens through which they see the world. That lens is shaped by experiences, culture and context. Philosophy allows you to try on different lenses, those of other people and reflect on your own. The beauty of that is it lets you see the world from many perspectives, which leads to a richer understanding of life. That’s something I find deeply satisfying. It’s helpful not just professionally but in every aspect of life. Philosophy has many dimensions, and I think it's simply beautiful how it shows us both how we shape ideas and how ideas shape us. 

What is philosophy? 

Big question! I think the literal meaning is “love of wisdom,” and that’s not a bad place to start. But to me, philosophy is about examining everything. It’s about looking deeper at history, thought processes, the assumptions behind our ideas and objects, everything around us. It’s about never taking anything for granted.  Philosophy is, for me, a way of looking at the world through multiple layers. That’s its essence. 

Do you think there's a special relationship between medicine and philosophy? 

Absolutely. Someone once said that medicine is the most scientific of the humanities and the most human of the sciences. As a doctor, you don’t just deal with people, you work with people at their most vulnerable. Illness often brings deep existential questions. Philosophy, among many things, asks what it means to be human and what shapes our understanding of reality. So as a doctor, you're often encountering people when they're being most philosophical. I think being trained in both areas helps me connect with patients in a much deeper way. 

To what degree or in what way did philosophy change you? 

Many things I thought I knew now rest on a different foundation. For example, I’ve started thinking very differently about what it means to be ill, which is personal to me. But more broadly, it’s changed the way I think about knowledge, law, responsibility… I’ve become more aware of the assumptions we make when we talk about these concepts. 

Is there anything you want to add to this interview? 

Let me think. A friend at the gym recently asked me, “Why do you even study philosophy?” And I told him: philosophy is like going to the gym, but for your brain instead of your muscles. That made him laugh. In general, what I really love about philosophy is that it's like peeling the layers of an onion. You uncover deeper and deeper layers of reality. I find that deeply satisfying. I truly believe philosophy enriches life on a fundamental level, for everyone. 

What do you think philosophy adds to your education?

Your main study is often about applying general principles to it. For example, justice and proportionality. And it's not often talked about why or how those principles are developed, and if they should even be applied in general. It adds the framework in which the law, for example, works and gives a basis to it.

What is philosophy?

A few thousand years have gone into thinking about this question! I would say it's more about questioning normality and opening a discourse on the status quo. It’s about trying to get into why things are the way they are and in which ways they could be improved.

Does philosophy offer any answers?

Yes — though not always in the way you’d expect. Philosophy doesn’t hand you simple solutions, but it gives you frameworks to think clearly and critically. It helps you understand which kinds of answers are possible, and why some are better than others. That’s incredibly valuable, especially when dealing with complex issues like justice or fairness. Take the question of how society should be organized. Philosophers like John Rawls argue that we should structure society so that even the worst-off are as well off as possible. Others, like Nozick, focus on individual rights and say justice is about respecting people’s entitlements. These views clash, but philosophy helps you understand both perspectives and weigh them. It doesn’t force you to pick sides — it helps you justify your position and see its consequences.