Economics, Law and Philosophy

When and how did your interest in philosophy begin?

In my final year of high school, I decided to pick up philosophy, mostly out of curiosity since I had some extra room in my schedule. I still vividly remember my very first philosophy class earlier in school, which left a strong impression on me. It introduced intriguing concepts like formal logic and utilitarianism, which sparked an immediate interest. Later, during the COVID pandemic, I found myself with plenty of free time, and I eagerly watched every episode of John Green’s philosophy series. Those episodes were genuinely inspiring, and many of the ideas resonated deeply with me.

What do you think philosophy adds to your education?

The Bachelor in Philosophy of a Specific Discipline involves extensive writing and introduces you to very diverse readings—ranging from Nietzsche's vibrant philosophical reflections to the detailed legal theories of H.L.A. Hart. These texts are distinctly different from the dry, formal academic literature typically found in economics or law. Engaging with philosophy broadens your conceptual horizon and sharpens your analytical abilities. It’s profoundly interdisciplinary, challenging you to think critically across various fields.

What exactly is philosophy, and what unique value does it bring to your academic and professional life?

That's a tough question to answer concisely! To me, philosophy is a comprehensive framework of analysis that encourages deep and critical thinking. It often deals with fundamental questions that overlap with everyday concerns or specialized disciplines—questions about ethics, rational decision-making, or how best to approach scientific inquiry. While disciplines like physics, economics, or law offer valuable insights, philosophy uniquely explores these topics from a broader, reflective, and critical standpoint.

Academically and professionally, philosophy enriches your profile significantly. It signals to employers that you possess advanced critical thinking skills, can analyze complex information sharply, and communicate clearly and convincingly. Philosophy trains you to look beyond surface-level explanations and approach challenges from multiple perspectives, which is incredibly valuable in any career.

You study economics, law, and philosophy. What connects these subjects for you, and what specifically attracts you to philosophy within this combination?

To me, economics, law, and philosophy share a fundamental connection: each discipline explores human choices, societal structures, and institutional dynamics, but each from its own unique vantage point. For instance, if I want to understand how central banks operate or how governments should act, these three areas each provide distinct yet complementary insights.

Within philosophy specifically, I’m particularly fascinated by John Rawls and his renowned thought experiment, the "veil of ignorance." Although I disagree with his conclusion—that a rational society would prioritize improving the conditions of the least advantaged above all—I deeply appreciate Rawls’ structured, coherent method of argumentation. My disagreement arises primarily from an economic perspective concerning probability and risk: it often seems more rational to accept limited risk or disadvantage for some if doing so significantly improves overall happiness and prosperity.

Engaging with such profound and challenging ideas—arguing, analyzing, critiquing—is exactly why philosophy is such a valuable and exciting part of my education. It enhances my ability to think deeply and critically, making philosophy indispensable for anyone aiming to broaden their intellectual horizons.