Even within a scientific worldview, one can be a 'hard materialist' while admitting some phenomena are unexplained. The nature of consciousness is one such case, where the current physicalist framework may be insufficient, suggesting that a new ontology or a deeper understanding of reality is required.
Contrary to the view of philosophy as a useless major, its value is increasing with AI. The degree cultivates clear thinking and intellectual taste, which are critical skills for curating and guiding the output of AI systems, making it a surprisingly practical choice for the future.
The search for life's meaning is framed as a flawed question stemming from a failure to be present. The emotional problem isn't a lack of answers, but an inability to break identification with thought. The solution is not intellectual but attentional, achieved through mindfulness and direct experience.
The idea of a single world government, once seen as the logical end to prevent war, is now considered unachievable and undesirable. Deep cultural divisions and current political dysfunction make the prospect of subordinating national sovereignty to a global body seem genuinely unthinkable outside of a dystopian context.
Worrying about AI making a specific profession like medicine obsolete is misplaced. If AI reaches a point where it can replace doctors, it will almost certainly be capable of replacing lawyers, CEOs, and most other knowledge workers, making it a systemic economic problem, not a poor career choice.
Despite rising costs and AI's impact on careers, the college experience offers a unique, four-year 'crucible' for intellectual and personal development. This period of focused learning and exploration, separate from career pressures, provides a cultural and developmental value that transcends the degree's immediate economic utility.