Personal Statement:Philosophy 12

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Philosophy challenges everything which is taken for granted about the nature of reality and language and meaning. Why wouldn't this interest me? Philosophy questions and delves into the very fundamental basics of the human mind and everything it encounters. This means that the questions Philosophy poses don't necessarily have an answer, never mind a correct one, something which I love about it. My introduction to Philosophy was the book 'Sophie's World' by Jostein Gaarder. However, my main area of interest began with my study of Philosophy and Ethics A-Level, where I learnt about Heraclitus' statement that everything in the world is 'in a constant state of flux'. This one idea about the nature of the world set my mind racing, I started asking myself questions about my own understanding and what I considered 'knowledge' of the world.

Reading Plato's Five Dialogues I was particularly taken by the Socratic dilemma Euthyphro, which considers the problems with the nature of piety and goodness with relation to a God, challenging the Christian idea of an omnipotent God by asking questions about the origin of goodness. This type of inquiry appeals to me and showed me that arguments could be based on a different sort of inquiry to science. Scientific inquiry bases itself on the observable universe, making judgements from 'facts' that, as shown by Heraclitus, could be without basis. What Philosophy allows me is an opportunity to seek knowledge by looking at how other people view the world, their ideas and how they arrive at them. This 'journey' of reason, for me, is why Philosophy is enthralling. It is not the final ideas which are important, it is how you get to them and the problems that you have to overcome along the way.

While researching for the Trinity College Cambridge Philosophy and Religious Studies prize, in which my essay on Descartes' theories on existence versus scientific method was said to show 'great scholarly promise and ability', I came across Descartes' Sixth meditation which included the 'Cogito ergo sum' thesis, an argument I found persuasive and engrossing. I also enjoyed Berkeley's book 'Principles of Human Knowledge' which talks about how there is no such thing as matter and how material things are made up of concepts of ideas perceived by the human mind and no more.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

My introduction to Philosophy and Ethics at A-Level has been central to preparing me for university study in this subject. The detailed study of Heraclitus’ philosophy and Plato’s dialogues enabled me to think deeply about knowledge and reality. The Trinity College Cambridge Philosophy and Religious Studies prize offered me the opportunity to research Descartes in greater depth; my essay on his theories of existence versus scientific method was recognised for showing 'great scholarly promise and ability.' These academic experiences have developed my analytical and critical thinking skills, helping me understand how to construct and evaluate complex arguments—skills that are essential for Philosophy.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

I enjoy debate and in Year 12 entered the Great Debate organised by the Historical Association, winning my school heat and coming second in Yorkshire. The subject 'Why History Matters to Me' inspired me to speak about my grandfather's work as a politician in N.Ireland during the troubles and his resignation from The Senate due to his opposition to internment. I am a very active member of my form, particularly taking part in the weekly general knowledge form quiz; I also represented my form in the Sixth Form Quiz Final which we went on to win. As well as this, I was asked to help re-organise the school rewards system working with senior staff and the head teacher.

Over the past three years, volunteering at an Oxfam Bookshop in York has improved my skills with the public, as well as helping me learn the importance of good communication, punctuality and teamwork. It also taught me the value of community and helping those more vulnerable than myself. This teaching was strengthened, as were my interpersonal skills, on a trip to Lourdes with Middlesbrough Diocese where I helped elderly and ill people throughout their pilgrimage. A keen sportsman, I have trained and played Rugby for the School team and I am passionate skier and play tennis. This involvement is despite being born with club feet, something that has given me a strong will and determination. I also love to watch and talk about sport particularly when it comes to football and F1 and hope to put this passion to good use and try my hand at sport broadcasting for university radio.

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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