Philosophy Personal Statement Example 7

The body: An entity existing in a space-time universe constructed of atoms and energy.

The soul: Indefinable, non-physical, indeterminable; the conscience, the mind, a meta-physical property.

One of these uses scientific measuring equipment as a means to measure and define, the other, the mind; discussion, reasoning and observation the means of intellectual exploration.

Some people consider themselves scientists, attempting to explain the occurrences in the world using physical tangible ideas that measure patterns in the nature of events, from microscopic to macroscopic. I consider myself a scientist also, a scientist of the meta-physical. Are we merely psychophysical, do we exist out of chance, am I eternal or will you and I disappear only to be retained in memories?

Philosophy has been the centre-point of my life for the past few years; or rather that was when I attached to it a name. Throughout my life I have questioned the norm, wondering beyond myself; attending a Church of England school was a major factor in rebelling against thoughtless acceptance.

But it wasn't until I started attending Religious Studies lessons that I gave my interest a name; philosophy. I found myself questioning religion, life, the universe and its meaning, and discovered true purpose in my thoughts and how I could never accept the views of others without my personal consideration; ignorance is definitely not bliss.

Throughout my life I have undertaken many different paths which span my interests, I have taken Engineering courses, entered an EU debate competition, started a Philosophy club and many other things to satisfy my appetite. I also read on many different topics with interests being so diverse and wide, stretching from Dante's Inferno to Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil to the Japanese Bushido.

The last few years have focused my attention to Philosophy and Ethics, the subjects I have finally found that allow me to question life and explore concepts beyond my five senses.

My AS grade in Philosophy does not show my full ability, a question centring around psychology made sure of this, though this is not an excuse and I am retaking this module to match my A grade in Ethics, aiming for the highest I can achieve. My A grade in English Literature including full marks on one paper justifies my analytical skills, my love of reading and my ability to write coherent pieces.

Maths and Physics on the other hand were my weaker subjects; my lower level grade on one maths module took my grade down to a C, but I am retaking this and will achieve a better grade than before. Physics was also on my weaker side, but I was proud of the C grade I achieved, working hard throughout the year (the maths module was interestingly mechanics; physics is not my strong point).

As mentioned before, I have undertaken many opportunities to span my interests in my school life; EU debate team, team leader of an EES scheme (engineering), chairman of a Philosophy Club, prefect at my school, Coasts mental health awareness course, FLAW (French language course), under 18's badminton, Young Enterprise business project and many more...it's fair to say I have been very busy. I also play badminton and tennis outside of school, and have a keen interest in media (entering a Young Motion Plymouth competition).

For Philosophy, there was the above mentioned club that I have chaired for a year and continue to do so which involved debate about various contemporary issues, and I have entered a few essay competitions (Corpus Christi College and Heythrop competitions). In the years I have also been to many lectures on the subject held at various locations.

The courses you offer seem perfect in my interests in Philosophy, as although my interest spans across every topic that I have come across, certain topics interest me a lot more, for example puzzle and paradoxes, a course I happen know you offer. Your campus in perfect to suit my lifestyle, being quieter and removed from the city and yet close enough for essentials.

Far removed from my home town, I hope this will provide a fresh start for me, at this new and exciting time of my life. My confidence in life will only aid my move into university and I look forward to meeting exciting new people.