It has something to interest the student of literature, mathematics, the social sciences, the life sciences, and physics and chemistry. Not only does philosophy provide an understanding of a wide range of matters but the matters dealt with are important and exciting. Many subject areas besides philosophy inculcate various general intellectual skills. But philosophy, unlike most such areas, deals professionally with logic, the use of language, and the assessment of evidence. As a result, philosophy is an especially valuable training ground for the intellect.
Philosophy is also a valuable background for many other disciplines.
Courses in logic, language, and epistemology have a universal relevance. So do courses in moral philosophy. Courses in moral and social philosophy are of special relevance to those going on in, e.g., the health sciences area, the law, the civil service, engineering and business. Courses in the history of philosophy are of special relevance to those doing work in literature, history, religion or education. And then there are philosophy courses especially designed to deal with philosophical matters as they affect other areas, e.g., the philosophy of law, of science, or religion, of history, of education, and of the fine arts, etc.