Why you should study Philosophy at University

Louise Ackers, Philosophy & Ethics student

The BA (Hons) Philosophy and Ethics degree does not just incorporate the generic topics of metaphysics and epistemology, this particular course branches out to integrate politics, ethics, theology and history – allowing students and myself to broaden our knowledge of other humanities disciplines. Additionally, the content includes other philosophers that are not as popular as an opportunity to stray away and branch out from the traditional philosophers to a more obscure perspectives on topics alike freedom.

I was incredibly enthusiastic and found my philosophical passion in the module titled The Problem of Human Nature as it allowed me to explore the motivations behind human behaviour and action as well as the originating qualities that are present within humans necessarily. We covered psychologists such as Sigmund Freud and writers alike Mary Shelley’s and her novel Frankenstein in order to gain a variety of outlooks on how human nature is perceived in philosophy as well as other subject’s alike psychology, science and English literature.

Additionally, the module titled Religion, Ethics and Violence was intriguing on the basis that most of the philosophical or theological content was relevant to the contemporary now – I was able to think and apply my understandings to what was taking place currently, thus allowing for pure debate and that engaged respectively with others. I was able to comprehend through discussions on Edmund Husserl’s “the Other” why certain groups are isolated and perceived as abnormal, enabling me to understand why some religious violence ensues.

Through the module titled Work Placement, I created a CV, covering letter and attended a work placement, which has allowed me to develop and improve my skills and values necessary for when I do apply for graduate professions after graduation. Also, the topics covered within Philosophy and Ethics are all relevant in a contemporary context which has allowed me to view life in a different light – such as in the module What is the Good Life?, through Richard Layman’s work, I learnt what makes one happy from an ethical perspective and how I can translate this into everyday life. Furthermore, my course has prepared me for certain challenges such as meeting deadlines, critical analysis and time-management, but most importantly, how to accept criticism to improve – a skill essential both in the work place and in daily life.

I chose Chichester as a result of the community environment I sensed as soon as I visited the university – it is and became a “home from home” almost instantly. I attended Chichester High School and the Sixth Form also and I grew up here; after experiencing Chichester for so long I never wanted to leave – it has and still does leave a lasting impression on me. Due to the university being of a smaller quantity than other larger universities, it allows me and others to connect with our academic advisors on a personal level, from which they get to know us on an individual people rather than just students who constitute a class.

The academic advisors are passionate about all the topics they teach which makes their teaching easier to engage with and the content more intriguing to learn about, enabling passionate but respectful debate which is vital in the pursuit of philosophical and ethical questions.