amystm (Offline)

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As for ppe, I understand from the prospectus that the tutors do not mind if a student has no philo background (which i don't because i have never read a philo book or even know philosophers and their theories), However, my teachers in school have cautioned me against taking ppe, mostly because they worry I do not know what I am getting myself into for philo. PPE is appealing to me however because I have read a bit on political philosophy (eg on the themes of social justice) and have found that quite interesting and relevant to formulating political philosophy.

Of course, having said that I do not read much, it does not mean I do not intend to start reading in college. I have begun to realise the importance of reading recently and that I need to move on from formulating abstract arguments on issues without any academic basis (which is what I have been doing).

On a side note, if I do apply for h&p, would you know which college has a strong tradition in the subject? For instance, I know balliol has a strong tradition in ppe.

Thanks a lot for reading my length pm! Looking forward to a reply . You can be brutally frank with me by the way. For instance, if you think from what I've described that I am not suitable for either course, or not suitable for Oxford in general, just say so ! Thanks again

Yew Loong
Singapore

Hi Amy

I read your response to a thread posted last week by a prospective undergrad who was debating whether to apply to h&p or ppe. I am in a similar dilemma and I thought to ask for your perspective on my situation. Really hope you can help, though I understand if you can't cause of oxfordian's busy schedules .

Unlike the thread poster, I am taking math and economics at a level, though i am struggling to do well in math. I am interested in both ppe and h&p because I like the rigorous thinking that goes behind both courses. I like the process of drawing trends, making inferences, analysing situations and formulating (and breaking) arguments. I am also interested in the politics side of things - I think all this very much has to do with me having been a debater!

Unfortunately (and I'll be brutally frank), I am no avid reader. Whilst I take history at a level and love the subject, my historical knowledge is pitifully limited to the syllabus. For instance, i wouldn't be able to name many historians, or to decide on my favourite historian for that matter! In other words, I know little more history than modern international history, and modern south east Asian history (I'm from singapore). I am fearful that this would put me at a severe disadvantage in my personal statement, the interview and that if I am offered a place, I will struggle to fit in with my widely read oxfordian peers.

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