I personally prefer analytic philosophy because it is often difficult to understand arguments and justifications, and this tends to be even more so for continental philosophy and postmodernism. I find it much harder to read much of it, to understand it, to be persuaded by it.

There are some exceptions. Even John Searle quotes Nietzsche sometimes. Nietzsche was very difficult to understand initially, but now I feel at ease reading what he has to say. Sometimes I would like more justifications and less observations, though.

Thanks for the perspective! I think it is probably due to the particular breeding of the philosophy program I am familiar with. I can definitely see how you’d come to your perspective, as a result of the methodologies of analytic philosophy, but I didn’t know if the sort of ‘malice’ I’ve seen was widespread or not.

I see that you are interested in the philosophy of language. I’m sure there is a tradition of studying language within analytic philosophy, but do you ever look at continental philosophy for these ends as well?

Thanks for the dialogue!

I certainly don’t hate continental philosophers. And in my experience, it’s not so much that analytic philosophers hate continental philosophers as it is that (many, but certainly not all) analytic philosophers don’t really see the appeal of continental philosophy. My reaction to continental philosophers is a bit like my reaction to people who like tofu: I don’t get it, but I don’t think any less of you for it.

Good look with the applications.

As someone who went through a terminal MA program, I have to agree with what you’ve written about this approach to grad school. The only problem I had with my program is that I really started itching for more long-term work, and there weren’t many opportunities for that in my terminal MA program because it was essentially class based (based on taking classes, not dependent upon social standing…). Sure, I had to pass a translation exam and qualifying exams, but my longest project was a 40-60 page thesis. I hardly consider that enough time to define yourself as an academic. That being said, I definitely recommend it! It gave me time to hone my ‘academic skills,’ and I certainly feel prepared for a PhD program now.

Now, my real question: I noticed you’re an analytic philosopher – why do analytic philosophers hate continental philosophers? Or, does that question seem odd to you? Maybe it is a regional thing?