Chiara Hilborne-Clarke (MSc Philosophy of Economics and the Social Sciences)

Testimonial

Question 1. Why did you choose LSE and the programme?

Coming from a background in economics and anti-money laundering compliance, I was drawn to the MSc Philosophy of Economics and the Social Sciences because of its interdisciplinary nature. I had become increasingly aware that while economic models offer valuable insights, they often fail to capture the full complexity of societal dynamics. I wanted to develop my critical thinking to be able to evaluate economic models and understand the broader implications of policy decisions. The MSc stood out because it promised to merge philosophical training with other scientific disciplines, such as economics.

Question 2. Which aspects of your studies were the most beneficial for your professional as well as personal development?

The programme significantly improved my approach to solving problems and understanding ideas. Essay writing and seminar discussions taught me to structure my thinking more clearly since everything in philosophy revolves around coming up with coherent arguments. This benchmark now shapes how I present my ideas in different contexts. The many readings that we had to do developed my ability to quickly comprehend arguments of different scholars and identify their essential components - an important skill in both academic and professional settings.

What I find most valuable was the intellectual flexibility I gained. Philosophy at LSE isn't just about studying a particular subject matter; it's about learning to think critically about any subject matter. This generally made me more analytically minded and better at assessing other people's arguments in my work and also in daily life. My fellow students had diverse academic backgrounds, which enriched every seminar discussion and opened perspectives I would probably not have encountered otherwise.

I was surprised to see how philosophy enhances my practical skills. Learning to construct rigorous arguments, to read efficiently, and to think critically about complex problems has made me more proficient in many things I do on a daily basis.

Question 3. What is your fondest memory of your time here?

The fondest memory of my time at the LSE is the numerous lunch breaks we had - either on the lawn in Lincoln’s Inn or on one of the rooftop terraces on campus. It quickly became a routine in my friends’ group that - even if we had completely different schedules - we’d try to carve out some time to have lunch together. We used to have great conversations, discussing our essay ideas or papers we had read, and getting to know new people.

Another moment that stuck with me was during a business ethics seminar when we were discussing the moral limits of markets. Our discussion led us to realise that, rationally speaking, there might be good arguments in favour of practices like trading babies - something that intuitively appears inhumane to most people. It was fascinating to dig deeper into these moral intuitions and understand their philosophical foundations.

Question 4. Why would you recommend studying at LSE and the Philosophy department in particular?

The Philosophy department at LSE creates an intellectually stimulating environment that challenged and transformed the way I think. The atmosphere is so compelling that I ended up considering an academic career path - before LSE, I did not see myself doing a PhD, but the programme made work in academia appear much more attractive.

The international student community in the philosophy department is welcoming and curious. As someone without a philosophy background, I was nervous about fitting in, but I found my fellow students to be warm and genuinely interested in learning from each other's perspectives. There are no stupid questions, and philosophy students love to philosophise outside of seminars too. I had some of the most intellectually stimulating conversations when spending the day on campus.

Lastly, the location in London is, of course, great - not just for the city's energy and opportunities, but also for the people. Londoners are incredibly friendly and active, always open to trying new things.

Question 5. Your LSE experience in your own words:

My year at LSE was transformative in ways I never expected. I came seeking tools to critically evaluate economic models and left with a completely new way of thinking about the world. The programme didn't just teach me about philosophy - it changed the way I approach challenges in many areas of life.

I was surprised to see how philosophy enhances my practical skills. Learning to construct rigorous arguments, to read efficiently, and to think critically about complex problems has made me more proficient in many things I do on a daily basis. I try to approach the things I work on with the analytical precision I learned in philosophy seminars.

Perhaps most importantly, I learned that intellectual curiosity and rigorous thinking are not just academic pursuits - they're tools for creating a meaningful career. The programme set me on a path toward a PhD, which combines my professional expertise with the philosophical training I received at LSE.

Living in London was wonderful, and the people at LSE made it unforgettable. The friendships I formed and the conversations I had have shaped not just my career trajectory, but who I am as a person. I will never forget my time here, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such an intellectually vibrant and personally enriching community.