Politics: Economic Implications And The Philosophical Justification
Approaching politics with knowledge of the economic implications and the philosophical justification is integral for a broad understanding of policy decisions that shape our world. I have always been keen to search for an answer to the 'big' questions that dominate the political field.
I believe that one of the most pressing issues to face world polity is climate change. To this end, I participated in the R.A Butler essay competition to argue that the greatest barrier to combating climate change are world leaders who prioritize short-term domestic policies and popularity rather than costly, long-term and international projects whose benefit the current generation is unlikely to see. I enjoyed David Runciman's The Confidence Trap, which discusses a series of events that were deemed devastating for democracy; ranging from 1962, where the world merely "survived" according to The Economist, to the financial crisis in 2008. Runciman discusses how successes in democracy create complacency and when the inevitable crisis hits, there is mass despair about the incompetence of the system. With the influence of globalized media, it seems democracy is in a permanent state of crisis; whether that be on a macro-scale, such as the participation crisis that British politics is experiencing; or on a micro-scale, where citizens use their right to protest against badly-needed affordable housing. This mindset could leave a democratic society liable to voting for more extreme candidates that promise radical change, potentially creating a far more potent crisis. I enjoy reading books that challenge my own opinion.
A Road to Serfdom allowed me to make direct comparisons between Hayek's argument to that of Marx's in The Communist Manifesto, and indeed Varoufakis' in And the Weak Suffer What They Must? Marx must be criticized for being utopian in terms of his solution for an alternative economic model, but his grasp of the failures of capitalism - such as alienation of labor - is unparalleled, and still extremely relevant. I look forward to exploring other parts of economics that were limited on the A-Level specification. For example, I learnt about the impact of micro-finance schemes for women in developing countries when I completed the HE+ in Economics. I hope to develop such knowledge further on my gap year by going on a trip designed to empower women.
Philosophical debates seen in competing ideological traditions based around the assumption of human nature are fascinating. Nozick's assumption that humans are naturally selfish contrasts with Kropotkin's assertion that humans are fundamentally cooperative, which forms the basis of their philosophy and rival economic systems. I look forward to exploring notions of morality and human nature within the philosophy modules.
I gained valuable experience during the 2017 General Election, where I assisted my local candidate. My role was coordinating social media, with the specific aim of attracting younger voters. This, along with my experience on the doorstep speaking to voters in my constituency, gave me great insight into the pragmatic world of party politics, and helped me to contextualize the ideological traditions I have studied. This experience enhanced my communication and leadership skills that I had developed in my role as Head Girl. I have continued to practice these traits in my role as president of the Symondian Debating Society. One such successful debate was against Winchester College, where our team effectively put across the case for the British monarchy in our 21st century liberal democracy.
On my gap year, I am studying AS Level maths to ensure that my mathematical ability is at a good standard. I am involved with the local soup kitchen to help the homeless in my area. Moreover, I am volunteering in a local school to help children learn to read, and I hope to help them develop a love of literature. I look forward to exploring the intellectual forces that inspire change.
