Daniel Harvey-Read (MSc Philosophy of Science)

Why did you choose LSE and the programme?

To be transparent, I was initially interested in LSE simply because it’s a well-recognised name as far as universities go. (You have to be a little pragmatic with these things!) But another, more important reason I was attracted to LSE was that it’s always been a socially oriented institution. Philosophy can wax “sophistical” and disconnected from real life, but at LSE, we worked on and were exposed to real-world problems that philosophy can help solve.

Philosophy is fun, but what’s more fun is using philosophy to contribute to important conversations.

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

This is an impossible question because everything feels crucial to my development. If I had to pick one thing, the most beneficial aspect of this program is the opportunity to write papers to practice both creating an argument and being able to communicate it clearly and compellingly. It’s hard to get feedback sometimes, but I am a completely different thinker and communicator after this programme, and I attribute this to my experiences writing papers and essays.

What is your fondest memory of your time here?

I’ll always treasure the precious and hilarious pub conversations we had this year. Such wonderful and priceless connections with others I did not expect, just from a one-year programme. Also, the trip to Cumberland Lodge was so much fun.

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

I would recommend LSE for two reasons. 1) Extensive personal and professional support. I went to so many LSE Labs and Life events. Definitely made a difference. 2) So many incredible and very interesting events on campus around current events and current ideas.

Regarding the philosophy department, in addition to its academic excellence, I found the professors extremely student-oriented. They loved pub time and office hours. It made for a very personal academic experience. Quite unusual, in my opinion.

Your LSE experience in your own words.

Surreal. Studying philosophy from the intellectual progeny of Popper, Lakatos, and Cartwright, in downtown London, on such a beautiful campus, with wonderful peers and professors, with all the academic, professional, and personal support you could want. I’m exceedingly grateful for this experience.