Personal Statement:Philosophy 8

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Philosophy enables us to question our basic assumptions, and to venture beyond the mental boundaries imposed by social conditioning. To study philosophy will allow me to explore over two thousand years of enquiry into human existence, thereby deepening my understanding of life itself. Indeed, as Socrates acknowledged, "The unexamined life is not worth living."

The ethics component of my RE course aroused in me an interest in philosophy, inspiring me to read Stephen Law's "The Philosophy Files". Together with Blackburn's 'Think', I was introduced to the arguments behind a range of problems, helping me realise how relevant philosophy is to what we are, and how we act. Questioning the nature, or indeed existence, of the abstract notion we label 'the mind' particularly excites me. The question of whether our feelings and experiences are merely physical states of the brain, independent of any intangible element, is one I perceive as related to the concept of free will. If we accept the view that we are purely physical objects, can we then conclude that we are bound by the laws of nature and an endless series of prior causes? After such discussions, I established my school's first Sixth Form Philosophy Club, where we examine both traditional and contemporary problems. To apply concepts and analogies drawn from my reading in challenging debate is hugely stimulating.

In preparation for the club, I contacted the University of Hertfordshire, and was invited to several seminars there on the Philosophy of Religion. This raised intriguing ideas, and strengthened my desire to study philosophy. Indeed, I had read about 'The Problem of Evil' as an argument, but could explore how it failed to wholly to deny the existence of any God; just the omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent deity of most religions. My opinions were further scrutinised when I was the student panellist on a mock BBC 'Question Time' at school, debating ethical issues with a priest, political activists and an RE teacher. On the abortion question, I challenged an advocate of Judith Jarvis Thompson's violinist analogy, which I feel is a weak metaphor at best. The comparison of a (generally) pre-meditated act, resulting in the creation of a foetus sharing half your DNA; to being kidnapped through no fault of your own, and attached to a complete stranger, would seem to be both inexplicable and illogical.

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

My science and arts background provides a broad base upon which to build my further studies in philosophy. Studying maths has given me the capacity for logical thought, and English and RE have taught me analytical skills, and how to construct balanced arguments whilst conveying my own ideas. I strive constantly to deepen my understanding of the world, and therefore wish to follow in an ancient tradition, one that encompasses the essence of what it is to be human.

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

As Student Leader, I am responsible for our school's Humanities Specialist Status, a role in which logic and reason are invaluable. Having passed grade 6 'cello and grade 7 piano, I play in the school orchestra. Committing to an instrument has instilled in me a determination to follow through on all I undertake. I have acted in each school drama production and recently wrote and directed a play for the Lower School. This allowed me to combine my creative abilities with leadership skills, eventually winning the House competition. I derive great satisfaction from assisting youth groups at my church, and am a member of a local community outreach scheme, recently receiving a Millennium Volunteers Certificate for over 100 hours of volunteering. My interest in marine biology and conservation encouraged me to become a qualified scuba diver and kayaker, and to undertake a one-week work experience with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. I consider Biology to be a field closely related to philosophy, as it is also concerned with the questions of what we are, and where we come from.

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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