The score limits for admission to philosophy at the country’s universities continue to rise. In order to get a place on the philosophy course at the University of Oslo, 62.2 credits are now required to enter. It shows figures from Samordna recording. The completely newly established bachelor’s program “Philosophy, politics and economics” already has a cutoff of 64.9. This course is modeled after Oxford University, where it is called the “prime minister’s school”. The philosophy studies have almost as high an enrollment rate as the ever-popular medical studies, where the average for all studies is 67.6 credits. – I am very excited about this. Especially for the enthusiasm we encounter in young people who want to use these important years to learn more about philosophy. It’s really exciting, says Bjørn Torgrim Ramberg, head of research for philosophy at the University of Oslo. Bjørn Torgrim Ramberg has lectured in philosophy for over 40 years. Photo: UiO It is over 40 years since Ramberg taught his first course in philosophy. He sees it as a great responsibility to give young people training in the big questions. – It obliges us to give the students something they feel is valuable. It is an investment, after all. Doomsday feeling But the reason why philosophy is becoming more popular is not necessarily very uplifting. Real concerns such as war, climate change and artificial intelligence make people think more about fundamental questions, the philosophers believe. – It is also about the times we live in, with a bit of doomsday feeling. We have explicit discussions about high-flying things in public. It makes people reflect more, says Einar Duenger Bøhn, who is professor of philosophy at the University of Agder. – Societal changes in the last ten years have contributed to more young people becoming philosophically engaged. They ask themselves basic value questions, says Ramberg. More relevant in working life Ramberg also believes that today’s rapid technological development means that philosophy education is much more relevant when you enter working life. – The business leaders I speak to say that people can learn a lot at work. The most important thing they look for are qualities that are much more difficult to learn. Analytical skills, being able to attack questions from both sides, adaptability. Businesses want such characteristics, says Ramberg. Einar Duenger Bøhn has a doctorate in philosophy and is professor of philosophy at the University of Agder. In addition, he has Norway’s most popular philosophy podcast. Photo: UiA He is supported by Bøhn, who also feels that companies want people who can “think for themselves”. – There are some surveys from the USA that show that philosophy students do statistically better in a number of other professions, he says. Sold out for Nietzsche Bøhn notices philosophy’s growing popularity outside the study halls as well. He has several times topped the podcast charts with his own podcasts about Nietzsche, Kierkegaard and the Bible. – I have had students who have signed up for philosophy studies at the University of Agder because they have heard my podcasts. It is quite unique, says Bøhn. Friedrich Nietzsche in 1882. In 2023 he makes it big on the Norwegian podcast charts. Photo: Wikipedia When he read Nietzsche with Kristoffer Schou, the publisher sold out of books by the German philosopher. – What I like so much about podcasts is that they can arouse an interest in people. It can make a listener want to read, study and write philosophy. It’s the nicest thing of all, he says. A stylish way to poverty The trend is not just Norwegian. At prestigious American and English universities, philosophy is rising as one of the most popular fields of study. That was said by Stephen Fry, who lectures at several of the universities, when he was a guest on the Dinosaur Hour podcast. – Students who graduate with a master’s or doctorate in ethics can earn millions immediately. The reason is that ethics has become so important to large companies, says Fry. He refers, among other things, to an American university journal, which recently had a very descriptive title: “Philosophy is becoming something more than just a stylish road to poverty”
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Philosophy almost as popular as medicine – news Culture and entertainment
