"That land is a community is the basic concept of ecology, but that land is to be loved and respected is an extension of ethics."
Aldo Leopold
Philosophy & Applied Ethics
Minoring in philosophy has enriched my understanding of science, justice, and living well. Although it is a very different field from agricultural science, my experience in philosophy has proven to be enlightening and relevant.​
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Ethics touches every part of our lives, including the way we treat others, the way we treat the environment, and the way we conduct ourselves professionally. Through my coursework in philosophy, I have learned how to evaluate complex scenarios and make evidence-based ethical choices in my personal and professional life.
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Following my success in a rigorous ethics course, my professor recruited me to join LSU's inaugural APPE Ethics Bowl team. Our team met weekly to discuss ethical considerations from a case list and prepare for a debate-style competition.
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I developed critical thinking skills by analyzing complex ethical issues, such as social, environmental, and political dilemmas, and forming clear, reasoned positions.
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I enhanced my communication and collaboration abilities by working with my team to present, defend, and critique ethical arguments under time constraints, which has significantly improved my public speaking and teamwork skills.
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Writing papers for my philosophy classes has strengthened my ability to think critically and argue persuasively, and through this intensive writing practice, I have developed relevant, transferable skills.
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I learned to dissect complex ideas and construct well-reasoned arguments, enhancing my ability to approach problems from different viewpoints, use evidence appropriately, and defend a stance.
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I strengthened my cross-cultural competence through exposure to diverse perspectives and readings from different time periods and cultures, which is a valuable skill to build a globally sustainable future.
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