Literature
The Distinction Between Majoring in Writing, Rhetoric and Philosophy
The Distinction Between Majoring in Writing, Rhetoric and Philosophy
As students and academics navigate their college paths, one of the most critical decisions is choosing a major that aligns with their interests and career aspirations. Three fields that often confuse students are writing, rhetoric, and philosophy. Colleges today tend to define these as follows:
Writing
Writing programs are designed to equip students with the skills necessary to produce clear, engaging, and persuasive prose. These programs often cover a wide range of genres, from creative writing to academic writing, with particular emphasis on developing skills in research, analysis, and synthesis. Students might engage in coursework that includes:
Technical writing for various industries Literary analysis and creative writing Journalism and news writing Reportorial essays and feature piecesRhetoric
Rhetoric is the art of persuasion and effective communication. A major in rhetoric focuses on understanding how language and communication influence people's beliefs, behaviors, and decisions. This discipline is interdisciplinary and draws from literature, philosophy, communication studies, and political science. Core subjects might include:
Public Speaking Argumentation and Logic Intercultural Communication Public Relations Media StudiesPhilosophy
Philosophy is the pursuit of wisdom through critical thinking and systematic investigation. Philosophy majors explore fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, ethics, and values. They examine ideas proposed by Western and non-Western philosophers and learn to construct and evaluate arguments. Typical courses might cover:
Metaphysics Epistemology Ethics Aesthetics Political Philosophy LogicWhat Differentiates These Majors?
The key differentiators between writing, rhetoric, and philosophy lie in their objectives and the methods used to achieve those objectives.
Writing
The primary goal of a writing major is to help students become accomplished communicators and writers. This involves developing skills in clarity, coherence, and stylistic variety. Writing majors often engage in projects that focus on practical writing applications in various fields. They learn how to adapt their writing to different audiences and purposes.
Rhetoric
While rhetoric also involves communication, it focuses more on the strategic use of language to influence and persuade. Students in rhetoric programs learn about different types of arguments, the principles of persuasion, and the cultural and historical contexts in which rhetoric operates. They study how different forms of media can be used to influence public opinion.
Philosophy
Philosophy is a more probing and critical discipline that challenges students to think deeply and creatively about the nature of reality, knowledge, and ethics. It is not just about understanding philosophical ideas but also about engaging in the critical analysis and evaluation of those ideas. Philosophy majors learn to construct and present well-reasoned arguments and to question assumptions critically.
Choosing the Right Major
Choosing the right major depends on your career goals and personal interests. If you enjoy telling stories and want to develop your creative writing skills, a writing program might be the best fit. If you are passionate about understanding how language and communication can shape societies, a rhetoric major could be more appropriate. For those who are deeply curious about the nature of human existence and the reasons behind our actions and beliefs, philosophy might be the discipline for you.
In conclusion, while writing, rhetoric, and philosophy share a common thread of language and communication, their objectives and methods are quite distinct. By understanding these differences, you can make a more informed decision about your academic and professional journey.