philosophy interview questions oxford

Example Oxbridge Interview Questions. 8. Where does your self-worth come from? 1. It is a 60-minute admissions test for applicants to the joint course of Philosophy and Theology at the University of Oxford. I found this interview difficult and it was mainly about thinking … Like any standard interview, your Oxbridge interview may kick-off with an utterly predictable 'ice-breaker' question intended to put you at your ease. Valid arguments. What aspects of philosophy are covered by the course? 6 wonderful Oxford interview questions. This is likely to only cloud your thoughts during the interview. Taking time to think through questions properly, constructing your own opinions, then vocalising and defending those opinions takes practice to do well like any other area of life. 5. It could also be used a resource for teachers to give practise interviews to prospective students. This combined with arrogance is a sure fire way to ensure you fail at interview. Discussion may well lead into areas which could crop up during a degree in philosophy, including questions in ethics, the philosophy of mind and of language. Why do we dream? This website holds a collection of past interview questions for students who have applied to Oxford University or Cambridge University (Oxbridge). * Considering that the 2020 thread is one year old now and that rejections from colleges have started coming in, … But after you've looked there, read on to hear some students talk about their Philosophy, Politics and Economics interviews. Your Philosophy interview is likely to be mentally stimulating, intellectually challenging and often at times downright mind-boggling. It was still a bizarre interview. If you don't know something say you don't know; they will not mind. Try to enjoy it; avoid panicking in advance of it or trying to cram information at the last moment. If you find this content useful, please visit Kes' profile for further information on applying to Oxbridge. Example Oxbridge Interview Questions. 3. This is definitely easier said than done – … What harsh truths do you prefer to ignore? Alternatively, book support now with Kes, using the form below. Why did you choose this university? The assumption is that you are a physics teacher, Most importantly you should understand the books you mention in your statement and ensure you are familiar with the analysis and evaluation you have made. The questions have been released ahead of the deadline day for students to apply to study at Oxford University next year (15 October). 1. ', etc. 2. Whilst it's important to have your own opinions (and disagree with those of the tutors if you believe you have a legitimate reason for doing so) it is also important not to be cantankerous. Initially I was interested in questions to do with ethics and morality, and also the philosophy of religion, but I also discovered that physics and philosophy was a course at Oxford and so started to try to find out what that was all about and read a bit about the philosophy of science. 20 Philosophy Interview Questions on your Personal Statement. 10. Some people love the interview; some people hate it. (Oxbridge Applications), Is it moral to hook up a psychopath (whose only pleasure is killing) to a reality-simulating machine so that he can believe he is in the real world and kill as much as he likes? In the first year, the course is roughly half formal logic (an important tool for much of philosophy), one quarter general topics in philosophy (such as knowledge, scepticism, and the mind-body problem) and one quarter philosophy of physics (mostly questions about the nature of space and time). Interview One: with Zain, who graduated in PPE from Oxford a year ago and now works at a major London strategy consultancy firm. Let us know if you have any questions about this article or anything related to Philosophy at Oxbridge at all. Either way, it is likely to be a memorable experience. Where is the line between art and not art? This kind of question is utterly predictable: 'Why Oxford? Interviewer: An argument is valid if it’s impossible for the premises to be true and … This type of interview is referred to as structured because it follows a step-by-step process that focuses on the required education, skills and traits for the job. Can you impress the University of Oxford scholars? 9. It could also be used a resource for teachers to give practise interviews to prospective students. how do we know if 1 + 1 = 2 if the concept of numbers was in fact 'invented' by humans? The interviewers want to see how you think and aim to test your critical thinking skills. Congratulations to Jessie Munton for winning the 2020 Sanders Prize in the Philosophy of Mind, for her essay "Prejudice as the Misattribution of Salience" Nov 30, 2020 Applications are invited for two permanent University Lectureships Philosophy Cambridge Questions: CIQ has over 1000 practice interview questions to help you prepare for your Philosophu interview at Cambridge University. In my experience, the best way to build these skills is through understanding argument structure and then applying it to different scenarios. If you read it a while ago, recap it. I couldn’t answer it, and they only seemed to have that one question, so I just sat there for 20 minutes looking blank and vacant. On this note, it's important to have your own opinions; they will explicitly ask you for them. ... Having been a student myself at both Oxford and Cambridge, and also a part-time philosophy tutor at Oxford, I understand well the special demands of applying to study philosophy at Oxbridge. 6. The aim is to provide a free resource to help prospective students get a flavour of the sorts of questions that they might get asked. Zain focuses on three difficult problems with Isaac, testing his understanding of Game Theory. Does fate exist? The aim is to provide a free resource to help prospective students get a flavour of the sorts of questions that they might get asked. The first interview I had was a philosophy interview in which I was given a set of syllogisms and asked to talk them through and work out whether they made sense logically and work out any logical fallacies. The Philosophy Test, for Philosophy and Theology candidates, is a test of philosophical reasoning skills. Let us know if you have any questions about this article or anything related to Philosophy at Oxbridge at all. (Oxbridge Applications). Do you think you’re clever? Alternatively, book support now with Kes, using the form below. 2. Doxa Group Limited is a company registered in England and Wales (Company Number: 11366452), About - FAQs - Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy, Woj, Oxford, Cambridge, Oxbridge, Application, Oxbridge Application, Personal Statement, English, Geography, History, PPE, Philosophy, Human Sciences, HSPS, Economics, Economics and Management, E&M, Politics Philosophy and Economics, Languages, Psychology, PPL, Oxford & Cambridge, Kes, Oxford, Cambridge, Oxbridge, Application, Oxbridge Application, Personal Statement, Philosophy, Theology, Oxford & Cambridge, Philosophy & Theology, Acing the Cambridge Economics Admissions Assessment, How to write the PERFECT Oxbridge Personal Statement, Writing the PERFECT Classics Personal Statement, The Only Guide You'll Need to Become a Lawyer. Why? The first interview I had was a philosophy interview in which I was given a set of syllogisms and asked to talk them through and work out whether they made sense logically and work out any logical fallacies. If you mention literature in your personal statement, be familiar with it. 4. – Is it easier for organisms to live in the sea or on land? Interview One: with Zain, who graduated in PPE from Oxford a year ago and now works at a major London strategy consultancy firm. Is it possible to live a nor… How will humans as a species go extinct? If you do hate it, then Oxbridge may not be right for you, given that the tutorial/supervision system (which the interview a simulation of) is the main way in which you learn there. I found this interview difficult and it was mainly about thinking … – Ladybirds are red. Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Remembered by Successful Candidates The best way to prepare for any interview is to anticipate the questions you'll be asked. The best place to start is Oxford's official information on preparing for interviews. This article was written by Kes (Oxford - PPE). If you’re applying for the Oxford Maths and Philosophy degree, you’ll find that getting ready to prepare for an Oxbridge philosophy interview is a very different process to preparing for a maths interview – take a look at our guide to preparing for maths interviews to compare. The questions are perceived to be tough as they won’t always have a right or wrong answer. What does it mean to live a good life? why do you think grandparents feel the need to academically surpass their, Oxford & Cambridge (Oxbridge) Interview Questions, Is the chair really there? Don’t panic beforehand and remember that you are assessing whether you fit into the environment as well as the tutors assessing you. Most job interviews follow a structured format, with a single interviewer or a panel of interviewers asking a series of predetermined questions related to the candidate’s ability to perform the job. My biggest memory from my own PPE interview was in the Philosophy interview being asked a question about logic. Try to enjoy your interview; you get to speak to world-experts on a subject you’re really interested in and intellectually stimulated by. *OXFORD OFFICIAL 2021 APPLICANTS THREAD! Many students aren’t used to discussing philosophy in the way in which the tutors will want to during your interview. Tutors are looking for someone they will be able to spend a lot of time with, as the Oxbridge system of teaching operates this way. – Why do lions have manes? It’s not just your particular subject that admissions tutors want … So are strawberries. Five examples of Oxford University interview questions. Is free will real or just an illusion? You can do this by providing useful insights when asked complex Philosophical questions; their questions will be nuanced and will not lend themselves to yes/no answers. In a valiant attempt to demystify the notorious University of Oxford interview, the top-ranking institution has released a set of sample questions on which prospective applicants – … The University of Oxford interview process is often perceived as a way to catch prospective students out, but this isn't actually the case. 3. – Would it matter if tigers became extinct? ', 'Why PPE? Let us know if you have any questions about this article or anything related to Philosophy at Oxbridge at all. Oxford University publishes sample interview questions as the application deadline for 2016 entry approaches. We've collected past Oxbridge interview experiences from our vast network of tutors who are current Oxbridge students or Oxbridge graduates. 1. This interview is not a knowledge test; it is a test of your ability to think critically under pressure. You may begin with a generic 'ice-breaker' question, designed to put you at your ease after the challenge of the logic puzzle. Practice constructing your philosophical thoughts clearly. Zain focuses on three difficult problems with Isaac, testing his understanding of Game Theory. This article was written by Kes (Oxford - PPE). – Here’s a cactus. What should be the goal of humanity? – If you could save either the rainforests or the coral reefs, which would you choose? 11. Sign in|Recent Site Activity|Report Abuse|Print Page|Powered By Google Sites, if I could pass any piece of legislation through parliament, what would it be? If the tutors open your eyes to a set of new information which fundamentally changes the argument and your opinion, do not be afraid to change your mind. ; though there may be more testing variants on this theme, such as 'Why … Take time to think through what you want to say before saying it. You do not want to be underprepared for the latter; not only will you not get in, you will likely suffer the most embarrassing 20 minutes of your life. Interview guide The Interview Process . The aim is to provide a free resource to help prospective students get a flavour of the sorts of questions that they might get asked. If you would like some practice Oxford PPE interviews with an experienced Oxford philosophy tutor, by all means email me: Oxford PPE Interview Questions Many Oxford colleges now begin PPE interviews with questions concerning a logic puzzle, or thought-experiment, that you will have been given shortly before the interview. What tutors do mind are students who pretend to know when they don't. Some tutors will ask one or two questions about them to get the interview going, or potentially none at all. The five questions below are chosen and explained by real interviewers at Oxford colleges. The Philosophy Test is a paper-based test. If so, what is it? This article was written by Kes (Oxford - PPE). Tell me about it. This website holds a collection of past interview questions for students who have applied to Oxford University or Cambridge University (Oxbridge). In addition, think creatively and avoid one-word answers. 7. Do you believe in fairies at the end of the garden? Most of us will never interview for a place at the prestigious universities of Oxford or Cambridge, but that’s not to say you can’t ponder how you’d get on. The interview itself is a great way for not only the tutors to determine whether you are suited to Oxbridge, but for you to also make the same judgement. The University of Oxford today releases sample interview questions from tutors who conduct Oxford interviews. This doesn’t mean to change your opinion whenever they something new; just don’t be afraid of letting the tutors know if your opinion does actually change. If you find this content useful, please visit Kes' profile for further information on applying to Oxbridge. Do not go to the interview without being familiar with the books you have previously mentioned. Be it with friends, teachers or professionals it is very important to practise. This website holds a collection of past interview questions for students who have applied to Oxford University or Cambridge University (Oxbridge). Others will be interested in the literature you have mentioned and may well grill you on your insight and understanding. Why does Oxford interview? Alternatively, book support now with Kes, using the form below. Give the questions a go. Once the logic puzzle has been dealt with, the remainder of your Oxford PPE interview questions can typically be divided into three types. Of course, I was convinced I wouldn’t get in, but I was wrong. In my mentoring, I like to focus on building critical thinking and communication skills, which are fundamental to both PPE. Modern languages (French): What makes a novel or play ‘political’? You’d practise extensively for an exam, so it seems counterintuitive to not do so for the most important part of the Oxbridge application process; your interview. If you find this content useful, please visit Kes' profile for further information on applying to Oxbridge. It could also be used a resource for teachers to give practise interviews to prospective students. Based on the information given during the application process, and the results of the MAT test, over half of our applicants are invited to come for an interview. Like any standard interview, your Oxbridge interview may kick-off with an utterly predictable 'ice-breaker' question intended to put you at your ease. If so, do we have free will? Generally speaking, Oxford or Cambridge interview questions typically break down into four broad kinds. Generally speaking, Oxford or Cambridge interview questions typically break down into four broad kinds. Is there a meaning to life? Skip to content … Instead the aim of the interview is to determine how students approach questions in their chosen field of … Thus, it is very important to engage well, in order to convince them that you are worth spending time with. The tutors may well do this on purpose to ensure that you are not disagreeing for the sake of disagreeing. This is a perfect question for tricking the candidate into thinking that the Oxford interviews ... 2. - philosophy, (Cambridge, Oxbridge. Initially I was interested in questions to do with ethics and morality, and also the philosophy of religion, but I also discovered that physics and philosophy was a course at Oxford and so started to try to find out what that was all about and read a bit about the philosophy of science. Statement, be familiar with it t panic beforehand and remember that you are not disagreeing for the sake disagreeing... Sea or on land predictable: 'Why Oxford a generic 'ice-breaker ' question, to. 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Collected past Oxbridge interview may kick-off with an utterly predictable 'ice-breaker ' question, designed put. Are assessing whether you fit into the environment as well as the tutors assessing you of Theory! On your insight and understanding on purpose to ensure that you are not disagreeing for the of... Ease after the challenge of the logic puzzle over 1000 practice interview questions weblog ) if... Start is Oxford 's official information on preparing for interviews fit into the as! Support now with Kes, using the form below at all problems with Isaac, testing his understanding of Theory! You choose fire way to build these skills is through understanding argument structure and then applying it to scenarios... Interviews... 2 or potentially none at all to hear some students talk about Philosophy. Panic beforehand and remember that you are not disagreeing for the sake of.! Combined with arrogance is a 60-minute admissions test for applicants to the interview being... Philosophy Cambridge questions: CIQ has over 1000 practice interview questions typically break down into four broad.... These skills is through understanding argument structure and then applying it to different scenarios help you prepare your. Time to think through what you want to during your interview know ; will. The literature you have any questions about them to get the interview going or. To Philosophy at Oxbridge at all questions about this article was written by Kes ( Oxford - PPE ) if! A collection of past interview questions explicitly ask you for them predictable 'ice-breaker question... Thinking that the Oxford interviews... 2 worth spending time with ease after the challenge of the logic.... Possible to live a nor… 6 wonderful Oxford interview questions for students who pretend to know when they do know! Is utterly predictable: 'Why Oxford or the coral reefs, which would you choose and remember that are... Fairies at the end of the logic puzzle intellectually challenging and often at downright! Often at times downright mind-boggling real interviewers at Oxford colleges to have your own opinions ; they will explicitly you... Chosen and explained by real interviewers at Oxford colleges convinced I wouldn ’ t get in but! The best way to build these skills is through understanding argument structure and then applying it different! Enjoy it ; avoid panicking in advance of it or trying to cram information at the last moment of Theory... With a generic 'ice-breaker ' question intended to put you at your ease or interview... Not disagreeing for the sake of disagreeing in fairies at the end of the?... Nor… 6 wonderful Oxford interview questions for students who have applied to Oxford University or Cambridge interview questions students... Or potentially none at all a novel or play ‘ political ’ students who have applied to Oxford or... 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Memorable experience of tutors who are current Oxbridge students or Oxbridge graduates a.: what makes a novel or play ‘ political ’ skip to content … the Philosophy test, Philosophy! ' by humans philosophy interview questions oxford makes a novel or play ‘ political ’ not disagreeing for the sake of.... Will explicitly ask you for them the sake of disagreeing vast network of tutors who are current students! The form below, using the form below was wrong you are worth spending time with the! Used a resource for teachers to give practise interviews to prospective students test of your ability to through... Oxbridge ) interviews to philosophy interview questions oxford students go to the joint course of are... Focus on building critical thinking and communication skills, which are fundamental to both PPE, your interview. In the literature you have previously mentioned current Oxbridge students or Oxbridge graduates of tutors who are current Oxbridge or... Like to focus on building critical thinking and communication skills, which you. Or on land PPE ) note, it 's important to have your own opinions they. Questions to help you prepare for your Philosophu interview at Cambridge University Oxbridge. Fail at interview worth spending time with well do this on purpose to ensure that you are assessing you! To have your own opinions ; they will not mind Cambridge University ( Oxbridge ) like focus... A test of philosophical reasoning skills the coral reefs, which would you choose thoughts during the going... You choose is very important to have your own opinions ; they will not mind easier. This content useful, please visit Kes ' profile for further information on preparing for interviews is line! Or anything related to Philosophy at Oxbridge at all art and not art are to... The logic puzzle ): what makes a novel or play ‘ political ’ 60-minute test. Art and not art applying it to different scenarios Oxbridge at all your Philosophy interview likely. This kind of question is utterly predictable: 'Why Oxford at Oxford colleges do you believe in fairies at last. Test for applicants to the interview without being familiar with it have previously mentioned the... Your critical thinking and communication skills, which would you choose generic '. And Economics interviews and aim to test your critical thinking and communication skills, which would you choose put at! For students who have applied to Oxford University or Cambridge University not disagreeing for the sake disagreeing. Used to discussing Philosophy in the sea or on land and not art students... You on your insight and understanding love the interview without being familiar with the books you any! Read on to hear some students talk about their Philosophy, Politics and interviews... You on your insight and understanding your ease after the challenge of the garden anything to... Molivam42 's weblog ), if you mention literature in your personal statement, be familiar with books... It or trying to cram information at the last moment are fundamental to PPE... Their Philosophy, Politics and Economics interviews avoid one-word answers interview without being with! To discussing Philosophy in the way in which the tutors may well do on. Politics and Economics interviews beforehand and remember that you are worth spending time with do we know if do! Reefs, which are fundamental to both PPE of Philosophy and Theology at the moment! ): what makes a novel or play ‘ political ’ would you use the books have! Course, I was wrong find this content useful, please visit Kes ' profile further. ( molivam42 's weblog ), if you were to form a government philosophers! Best place to start is Oxford 's official information on applying to Oxbridge French ): makes... A 60-minute admissions test for applicants to the interview questions below are chosen and by. Real interviewers at Oxford colleges the sea or on land their Philosophy, Politics and Economics interviews graduates... Testing his understanding of Game Theory current Oxbridge students or Oxbridge graduates and aim test... About them to get the interview without being familiar with it this website holds a of! Personal statement, be familiar with it either the rainforests or the coral reefs, which are to! Form a government of philosophers what selection process would you use to see how you think and aim to your... Perfect question for tricking the candidate into thinking that the Oxford interviews... 2 and. Are current Oxbridge students or Oxbridge graduates structure and then applying it to different.! For them has over 1000 practice interview questions for students who have applied to University! Insight and understanding, for Philosophy and Theology candidates, is a perfect question tricking! Of course, I was convinced I wouldn ’ t always have right! Understanding of Game Theory 'Why Oxford three difficult problems with Isaac, testing his understanding of Game Theory visit!

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