How do you know if one is ready?

[Ronaldo9]

I

[readeatsleep]

it seems like your biggest problem is commitment. im sure you will be able to get into a philosophy PhD program, but the question is whether or not that is the right decision for you.

myself, i knew i wanted to pursue philosophy since i was about 17 years old. since then, ive been an avid reader, but that doesnt mean im perfect. i procrastinate, too, but not everytime. i always read what is assigned, and usually more. if you can't motivate yourself to go the extra mile, or cant even motivate yourself to do what is required, you may not have the enthusiasm necessary to really make a career out of academics.

dont get me wrong: no one is perfect. i procrastinate, i smoke pot, i am lazy. but i also work my ass off. i think those who will succeed are those who, despite working hard most of the time, still dont think of themselves as hard workers. that makes them work harder. i graduated high honors, phi betta kappa, 3.9, best thesis award from a top 10 american liberal arts college, and i dont see this as enough. i am driven. if you are not driven, i dont think you have what it takes to really make it.

then again, the same goes for law school, too. in the end, noone will ever be *sure* they are making the right decisions, or *sure* that theyve got what it takes. you will only find out at the end. take a long honest and painfully realistic look at yourself. you also do not need to go straight from undergraduate to graduate work. sounds like some time off is just what you need.

and remember: you dont need to be a professional academic to read and think about philosophy. however, in order to be a professional academic, you need to read and think about philosophy.

[phil.grad.duq]

I am a 5th year PhD ABD in Philosophy and my partner is a lawyer who also loves/studied philosophy as an undergrad...so I feel as though I may have a few experiences to share.

First of all, philosophy grad school is intense. So is law school. Be sure you love both if you plan on doing a joint degree. If you love legal philosophy for the sake of law, consider simply doing a JD--most good law programs offer excellent courses in the philosophy of law, philosophical ethics and legal theory. Additionally, many universities will let you take a few course in other departments--so you could take a course from the Philosophy grad department.

If you love legal philosophy for the sake of interest in socio-political philosophy, then consider doing an MA first at an institution that has faculty in socio-political philosophy, and then do a PhD in philosophy or a philosophically rigorous political science program. Signing on to do a joint degree unless you are absolutely certain it is what you want to do sounds like unnecessary torture--which as a philosopher of law, you should be able to analyze :wink:

Being a good student--which it clearly sounds like you are--is really only a minor part of true success in graduate school. It will definitely improve your chances of getting into a program, but once there, the passion for your discipline and dedication to your research counts for much more. Make sure you have that passion for whatever it is you decide to do, and then you will clearly know you are ready.