Oxford PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) Students and Applicants

First off, the author's first name definitely isn't Matt, it's Thomas (since I assume you're talking about the book 'Capital'). But other than that, I see no problem with mentioning that book on your PS. You aren't expected to have studied any of the subjects in huge academic detail, so mentioning 'popular' books on your statement is 100% fine. He is a researcher as well, even though his work might be written in a more sensationalist style than other academics' stuff. Also, it's something that's been talked about lot recently so it show's you're paying attention to the world around you which can be a plus. All you need to make sure you do if you write about it is to write and think about it critically.

Hi,

what do you guys think; is mentioning Matt Piketty and his recent book's claim about wealth growing faster than economic output? Could it be a bit of a long shot, making me look like I'm basically just mentioning things off the pages of the Economist? And do professors consider him more of a sensationalist than a respectable researcher?

Thanks for answer

Hi, i've recently started lower sixth and am interested in applying for PPE at oxford next year and have a few questions. My school doesn't do Oxbridge stuff as no one has ever got in so it would be great to get some replies!
Im studying Economics, Maths, Geography and History at As and got 8 A*'s 3 A's in GCSE's.

1) What are the average As grades and predicted A levels for applicants ??
2) What are these entry tests you have to do ?
3) Anyone have any recommended reading on politics or philosophy (never studied)
4) WHATS THE COURSE LIKE ?? (someone who's been would be great)

PPE here from the States. Balliol College. I am skyping into my interview...no news as of yet.

likewise with the Skype. hope we are not at a disadvantage.

Piketty's a respectable and noted economist, he certainly isn't 'fringe' and it's also worth mentioning that the Marxist tradition is certainly not excluded from modern economic discussions - just to give one example, the Economist magazine a few years ago had a major section on the legacy of Marx stuffed full of glowing tributes to his insights from a wide range of contemporary theorists.

I think Marxist ideology has now passed from living theory to historical artefact for most sensible economically minded people. It's something people like to discuss but know won't ever work in practice.

I don't want to get into an involved debate about Marxism's role in current economic thinking in what is meant to be a thread to help students thinking of doing PPE, but I think it depends what you mean - if you mean people don't think a Soviet-style interpretation of Marxist-Leninism is a useful way to organise society, then I agree. If you mean that all of Marxist theory is provably not a useful tool for analysing modern society or economic structures, then I don't agree. For example, most would agree that class dynamics, such as inter-class conflicts, do exist. That's a Marxist idea. Right-wing economic theorists might reject the idea of class struggle, but then they would, wouldn't they.

Ppe interview! Applied to balliol and relocated to St. Peter's! Should I send my new college a letter of interview?