euthuphron

That feeling of inadequacy, even if only temporary, is normal. I think everyone experiences this, even those students who came up those "brilliant" ideas and interpretations (and who knows, they probably weren't the ones to come up with it first). It can seem like an insurmountable task to bring yourself up to speed. But let's be honest, I think that only comes after years of research. I find keeping a separate reading list of books and articles that are of interest to me really helps, even if they happen to be outside my areas of research.

And the thing about grammar and spelling. Who cares? Yes, obviously things like that need to be correct, but that's not what study at the graduate level is all about. Just be more careful and develop good writing habits. I'm sure your university has some sort of academic writing center that can help you.



Ain't it the truth?



I think too much organization is a bad thing. You obviously have more responsibilities than in undergrad, which requires better time management, but to plan which particular piece of work to do during which particular block of time for everything seems a bit excessive to me. Some people work better like that, but I don't.

I find it helpful to keep a weekly schedule with regular events (courses, GAs, office hours, time allotted for specified reading or study (e.g. second language)) and events particular to that week (meetings, talks/defenses to attend, etc.). Since I'm in the office fairly regularly (treat it like a job, 9-5 kinda thing), the rest of the time is spent doing work. The priority of the work is determined by writing down a list of things I have to do for the next two weeks or so (or even longer, if it's long-term) in no particular order, then assigning priorities (1,2,3, etc.). Then, just do it and get it done. No scheduling for hours only to find your paper is due tomorrow. Then, just lather, rinse, and repeat.

The rationale behind this method is that it abrogates the problems that arise when micromanaging everything. Instead of worrying about the optimal structure of how to get work done, you actually do the work and get it over with. Further, you don't feel obligated to do work in any particular way or at a particular time, which lifts that sense of burden and the procrastination that accompanies it.

To be an expert in your field takes years. It's not going to happen overnight. Just hang in there. Work hard and manage your time well, but don't forget to smell the roses.

Cheers.

From the research I've done, which is anything but comprehensive at this point, it depends on what area of philosophy you plan on studying. Although I'd advise having both under one's belt, proficiency in languages besides English is generally more useful in the continental/historical vein and competency in logic for the more analytical side of things. But then again this is a gross generalization and that whole analytic/continental distinction is getting blurrier and blurrier, if not already nonexistent. For languages, French and German, as the above poster mentioned, would be very useful. If you had to choose just one, I would choose the one most related to your research, obviously, but some knowledge of the other wouldn't hurt. I would also add Latin and Greek to the list, especially if your research interests happen to involve Greek and Roman philosophy. But then again, I would recommend learning those two languages regardless of what area you study since they are part of so much of English vocabulary.

I just read the thread (because I really didn't believe the thread title), and you folks saying "Just get over it. . ." - F-That. Espcially if there is a contract. I would rather be "slightly uncomfortable" than be robbed of my contribution to your field, and that is exactly what is occuring right now. No way in hell I would let someone screw me like that.

Now maybe I have missed something but I haven't seen anything about where the OP actually addressed this with the advisor and if they have what the outcome was.

This isn't a beauty contest; what do you actually want to do that isn't the fanciful ravings of a poet?

It all depends - in my mind - on the level of involvement one has in the class. If you're just providing office hours (which is most often the case at the undergraduate level) then get as down and nasty as you want. If you're actually grading exams - just don't do it. Even if you explain the situation to the prof. your TA'ing for, they'll come to their own conclusion about your level of ethical muster (and that it's probably not that great). Academically and professionally it's probably just NOT worth it.

I'm a first generation/low-income student and come from an immigrant family. My mom did her degree in business, but of course, that was about 30 years ago and in another country so its professional value today is lacking. She's a cashier now and has been for some time and the funny thing is that she's content with it. Less stress for her, she tells me. My dad works in the automotive parts industry, but not for the Big 3 or anything. I know he dislikes his job and that the only reason why he continues to work there is so that my siblings and I don't have to in the future.

From the posts I've read, some have shown displeasure and even resentment towards their parents and family for not taking an active role in what they study. Fair enough if they don't support your endeavors, accomplishments, etc. because they should support you. But to spend time, energy and tears on making your parents/family interested in what you study is... silly, especially when there are big disparities between cultures, generations, beliefs. I sometimes fantasize both my parents are professors and that we have lively dinnertime conversations on existential crises and the state of the world politics, but I know after 12 hours of work they'd rather watch a movie or sleep. (And who could blame them?) I use to get very upset and angry at them for not being interested in the things that interested me until I realized that that part of my life is best shared with my friends and professional relationships. It's unfair, but, given the circumstances, you have to deal with it.

I consider myself lucky that my parents didn't have too traditionally Asian values in that they didn't put too much push me towards any specific study or profession. They certainly pushed me to work hard, but in the end their concern is my happiness, as that's what seems to give meaning to their jobs. Which is not to say they weren't a little shocked when I told them I'm going to study philosophy in grad school, as the job prospects are just so wonderful right now!

Cheers.

I'm a first generation/low-income student and come from an immigrant family. My mom did her degree in business, but of course, that was about 30 years ago and in another country so its professional value today is lacking. She's a cashier now and has been for some time and the funny thing is that she's content with it. Less stress for her, she tells me. My dad works in the automotive parts industry, but not for the Big 3 or anything. I know he dislikes his job and that the only reason why he continues to work there is so that my siblings and I don't have to in the future.

From the posts I've read, some have shown displeasure and even resentment towards their parents and family for not taking an active role in what they study. Fair enough if they don't support your endeavors, accomplishments, etc. because they should support you. But to spend time, energy and tears on making your parents/family interested in what you study is... silly, especially when there are big disparities between cultures, generations, beliefs. I sometimes fantasize both my parents are professors and that we have lively dinnertime conversations on existential crises and the state of the world politics, but I know after 12 hours of work they'd rather watch a movie or sleep. (And who could blame them?) I use to get very upset and angry at them for not being interested in the things that interested me until I realized that that part of my life is best shared with my friends and professional relationships. It's unfair, but, given the circumstances, you have to deal with it.

I consider myself lucky that my parents didn't have too traditionally Asian values in that they didn't put too much push me towards any specific study or profession. They certainly pushed me to work hard, but in the end their concern is my happiness, as that's what seems to give meaning to their jobs. Which is not to say they weren't a little shocked when I told them I'm going to study philosophy in grad school, as the job prospects are just so wonderful right now!

Cheers.

I'm a first generation/low-income student and come from an immigrant family. My mom did her degree in business, but of course, that was about 30 years ago and in another country so its professional value today is lacking. She's a cashier now and has been for some time and the funny thing is that she's content with it. Less stress for her, she tells me. My dad works in the automotive parts industry, but not for the Big 3 or anything. I know he dislikes his job and that the only reason why he continues to work there is so that my siblings and I don't have to in the future.

From the posts I've read, some have shown displeasure and even resentment towards their parents and family for not taking an active role in what they study. Fair enough if they don't support your endeavors, accomplishments, etc. because they should support you. But to spend time, energy and tears on making your parents/family interested in what you study is... silly, especially when there are big disparities between cultures, generations, beliefs. I sometimes fantasize both my parents are professors and that we have lively dinnertime conversations on existential crises and the state of the world politics, but I know after 12 hours of work they'd rather watch a movie or sleep. (And who could blame them?) I use to get very upset and angry at them for not being interested in the things that interested me until I realized that that part of my life is best shared with my friends and professional relationships. It's unfair, but, given the circumstances, you have to deal with it.

I consider myself lucky that my parents didn't have too traditionally Asian values in that they didn't put too much push me towards any specific study or profession. They certainly pushed me to work hard, but in the end their concern is my happiness, as that's what seems to give meaning to their jobs. Which is not to say they weren't a little shocked when I told them I'm going to study philosophy in grad school, as the job prospects are just so wonderful right now!

Cheers.

I'm a first generation/low-income student and come from an immigrant family. My mom did her degree in business, but of course, that was about 30 years ago and in another country so its professional value today is lacking. She's a cashier now and has been for some time and the funny thing is that she's content with it. Less stress for her, she tells me. My dad works in the automotive parts industry, but not for the Big 3 or anything. I know he dislikes his job and that the only reason why he continues to work there is so that my siblings and I don't have to in the future.

From the posts I've read, some have shown displeasure and even resentment towards their parents and family for not taking an active role in what they study. Fair enough if they don't support your endeavors, accomplishments, etc. because they should support you. But to spend time, energy and tears on making your parents/family interested in what you study is... silly, especially when there are big disparities between cultures, generations, beliefs. I sometimes fantasize both my parents are professors and that we have lively dinnertime conversations on existential crises and the state of the world politics, but I know after 12 hours of work they'd rather watch a movie or sleep. (And who could blame them?) I use to get very upset and angry at them for not being interested in the things that interested me until I realized that that part of my life is best shared with my friends and professional relationships. It's unfair, but, given the circumstances, you have to deal with it.

I consider myself lucky that my parents didn't have too traditionally Asian values in that they didn't put too much push me towards any specific study or profession. They certainly pushed me to work hard, but in the end their concern is my happiness, as that's what seems to give meaning to their jobs. Which is not to say they weren't a little shocked when I told them I'm going to study philosophy in grad school, as the job prospects are just so wonderful right now!

Cheers.

I'm a first generation/low-income student and come from an immigrant family. My mom did her degree in business, but of course, that was about 30 years ago and in another country so its professional value today is lacking. She's a cashier now and has been for some time and the funny thing is that she's content with it. Less stress for her, she tells me. My dad works in the automotive parts industry, but not for the Big 3 or anything. I know he dislikes his job and that the only reason why he continues to work there is so that my siblings and I don't have to in the future.

From the posts I've read, some have shown displeasure and even resentment towards their parents and family for not taking an active role in what they study. Fair enough if they don't support your endeavors, accomplishments, etc. because they should support you. But to spend time, energy and tears on making your parents/family interested in what you study is... silly, especially when there are big disparities between cultures, generations, beliefs. I sometimes fantasize both my parents are professors and that we have lively dinnertime conversations on existential crises and the state of the world politics, but I know after 12 hours of work they'd rather watch a movie or sleep. (And who could blame them?) I use to get very upset and angry at them for not being interested in the things that interested me until I realized that that part of my life is best shared with my friends and professional relationships. It's unfair, but, given the circumstances, you have to deal with it.

I consider myself lucky that my parents didn't have too traditionally Asian values in that they didn't put too much push me towards any specific study or profession. They certainly pushed me to work hard, but in the end their concern is my happiness, as that's what seems to give meaning to their jobs. Which is not to say they weren't a little shocked when I told them I'm going to study philosophy in grad school, as the job prospects are just so wonderful right now!

Cheers.

I'm a first generation/low-income student and come from an immigrant family. My mom did her degree in business, but of course, that was about 30 years ago and in another country so its professional value today is lacking. She's a cashier now and has been for some time and the funny thing is that she's content with it. Less stress for her, she tells me. My dad works in the automotive parts industry, but not for the Big 3 or anything. I know he dislikes his job and that the only reason why he continues to work there is so that my siblings and I don't have to in the future.

From the posts I've read, some have shown displeasure and even resentment towards their parents and family for not taking an active role in what they study. Fair enough if they don't support your endeavors, accomplishments, etc. because they should support you. But to spend time, energy and tears on making your parents/family interested in what you study is... silly, especially when there are big disparities between cultures, generations, beliefs. I sometimes fantasize both my parents are professors and that we have lively dinnertime conversations on existential crises and the state of the world politics, but I know after 12 hours of work they'd rather watch a movie or sleep. (And who could blame them?) I use to get very upset and angry at them for not being interested in the things that interested me until I realized that that part of my life is best shared with my friends and professional relationships. It's unfair, but, given the circumstances, you have to deal with it.

I consider myself lucky that my parents didn't have too traditionally Asian values in that they didn't put too much push me towards any specific study or profession. They certainly pushed me to work hard, but in the end their concern is my happiness, as that's what seems to give meaning to their jobs. Which is not to say they weren't a little shocked when I told them I'm going to study philosophy in grad school, as the job prospects are just so wonderful right now!

Cheers.