Studying the nature of the world: Physics and philosophy

Taking a Major in Physics and Minor in Philosophy allows Year 4 student Ryan Shawn Phillips to learn the most fundamental of both the sciences and humanities. 

This combination, he believes, enables him to explore the deepest questions about the nature of the universe and our existence, not only from what mathematics has taught us but also through what we learn through rational thought.

He says, “Philosophy has brought me greater clarity when thinking about and understanding the world around me. Most importantly, it lets me explore viewpoints that (dis)agree with my worldview, and in doing so I am better able to understand myself and communicate my experiences more clearly.”  

Philosophy also prepares him for the integral but often overlooked aspect of scientific research – communicating abstract or complex scientific ideas in an impactful way to different audiences.

His interest in science communication naturally led him to the Special Programme in Science (SPS). As a Head Mentor at SPS, he has the opportunity to mentor students from different disciplines on different scientific concepts or techniques. Likewise, his seniors continue to give valuable advice even after they graduate, and the “global network of connections” from SPS allows him to continue engaging people from different walks of life.

At SPS, “we are not constrained to our own ‘buckets’ of thinking,” he says. This gives him the confidence to explore scientific research opportunities outside of his comfort zones and to work with like-minded individuals who are passionate in interdisciplinary scientific research.  

In the SPS Common Curriculum, Ryan had many opportunities to conduct his own mini research projects with groupmates. This has resulted in useful insights on interdisciplinary research. For instance, he has learned how concepts or techniques used in Biology and / or Chemistry can be applied to Physics, thereby augmenting his skillset as a researcher.

Ryan participates actively in sharing his perspectives on CHS courses. Bouncing ideas back and forth with strangers, albeit in such transient moments, proved very fulfilling and insightful for him.

Ryan hopes to venture into a career in cybersecurity, finance or technology / data-science related fields after graduation. Whatever his eventual career pathway, the learnings from both his disciplines are both relevant and timeless – the development and application of clear and precise thinking to foundational problems and the cogent articulation of ideas which aim for an understanding of things.