For those who have come across me for the first time, a brief introduction is needed. I am currently a masters student studying Philosophical Theology at the University of Oxford, extending my stay in dreary Oxford for another two years. This follows from my three years at the same university studying Philosophy and Theology.

The last three years has been nothing short of a blast. Is there anything more magical than the opportunity to study a humanities subject in one of the world’s most historic institutions? Taking out books from libraries which have once served great minds like JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, John Henry Newman, and more?

Well, it wasn’t really like that. In fact, much to my shame, I spent most of my time in my study. I would go to libraries to get books, then VOI (that is the e-scooter of Oxford) back to my place and write. The location itself, though inspiring, only became a major factor two years into my studies when I realised that I may have to leave the city soon. Then, it all kicked in.

If it wasn’t the libraries, what was the best thing about the course? I wouldn’t say it was necessarily the subjects that we studied either. I have to admit that I found the courses thoroughly swamped by analytic philosophy. Instead of being able to gain a broad understanding in the development of philosophy from Plato to Richard Swinburne (or any other current academic), it was mostly thinking about themes in ethics, metaphysics, logic, and more. Of course, such an education has its benefits. You inevitably become a very good writer (though this post may suggest otherwise), you become good at thinking through topics critically and efficiently. Yet, my most interesting insights in philosophy have all come from outside of the set curriculum.

Research in Dostoevsky, sceptical theism, Kant, history of philosophy and more were not from my degree per se, but rather interests that I have stumbled across during my reading and reflections.

Yet is it necessarily a bad thing?

I argue no.

The most fundamental thing in philosophy is the skills you have. The ability to philosophise.

These are things which cannot be developed in any other way apart from argument and writing. The Oxford system is very good at that. In no other circumstance, apart from the other place, can you have the opportunity to get your essays examined and critiqued weekly by renowned academics.

So, yes. Despite having to negotiate the curriculum to allow myself to do as many history of philosophy papers as I could, (with one success for the post-Kantians), I have to say that I am grateful for the Oxford tutorial system.

But what I think is most rewarding about my time at the university has to be the people I’ve met. I’m a rather social and curious person. I like learning, not only about philosophy, but developments in other disciplines. One of the best things about Oxford is that you can meet people from diverse backgrounds and you are almost guaranteed to be able to have a very academic and insightful conversations with them.

Some of my best friends work in Material Sciences, Egyptology, Physics, and more. I feel like one of the most valuable skills that I’ve developed is the ability to sit down next to anyone and have a conversation about them. Learning about their interests and seeing if these conversations could lead to future philosophical insights and reflections for myself down the line.

I’m, of course, very lucky to continue my education at this great institution. I think I’ll spend a similar amount of time in my study. But with another two years here, I will definitely try to make the most of the libraries a bit more.

Do let me know any questions you may have about the course below. But, in the mean time, have a great day.

I don’t exactly know why I’ve decided to start a substack alongside my YouTube channel, but may as well!

Blessings,

Joshua