Final answer:
Arjun's college major decision illustrates a thoughtful approach, considering personal interest and future career paths. The true value of education often lies beyond preparing for a specific job, but rather in developing a broad perspective and critical thinking that applies to various professional contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Arjun's process of selecting a college major that aligns with both his personal enjoyment and career interests reflects a thoughtful approach to higher education. While students often believe that choosing a major strictly tied to a specific job is the best path, this is not always the case, especially for liberal arts and sciences degrees. From nursing to engineering, and from business to the humanities, majors are diverse, and their real value often lies in the development of critical thinking and a broad skill set applicable in many professional contexts. Research has shown that while some students choose majors that might lead to immediate financial benefits upon graduation, enriching one's education through a variety of subjects—what can be considered as gaining cultural capital—is equally important. This breadth of knowledge helps in building wisdom and enhancing one's ability to self-examine, echoing Socrates' belief that "The unexamined life is not worth living." It's important to recognize that undergraduate and graduate degrees can lead to a multitude of career opportunities, not limited to the field of one's major. For example, philosophy majors may find opportunities outside of academia in areas like law, business, publishing, and government.