The Teddies Review - Dec 2021

in the world, she will be eagerly training for the Australian Open to continue climbing the ladder. Whatever happens, we are proud of you, Emma!

What’s the Point in Philosophy?

I didn’t realise philosophy had certain stigmas until someone bluntly asked me: “ Isn ’ t philosophy kind of useless? ” , after having said that I enjoyed the subject. I sadly found that I was unable to answer their question and I started to wonder, “ what is the point in philosophy? ” . Although you ’ ll likely suspect I ’ ll carry on this article by saying, “ what ’ s the point in anything? ” , that is not the direction I will take. Instead, I ’ ll answer this question by giving you my own argument as to why philosophy is, shockingly, not useless. Firstly, in order to understand its use, we should understand what it is. Philosophy is simply a way for different people to answer the same questions. Of course, there is more to it than that but, I believe that is what it ultimately comes down to. Yet this isn ’ t just thinking, it is philosophy. Answering these questions requires deep thought which leads philosophers to inevitably base their thinking on their individual beliefs, values and cultural backgrounds, even when they don ’ t try to. This is what makes objectivity so hard to achieve. Personally, that is the aspect that interests me - comparing the various answers and opinions of different individuals, as they desperately try to fight subjectivity and so that their answers can be considered universally correct. However, what makes it fascinating, as a student and reader, is witnessing the very thing they try to avoid. The compelling part of Witnessing a way of thinking

A busy year

Ex-swimmer, Lucy-Charles Barclay crushed the elite field by winning the 2021 Ironman 70.3 World Championship, held in St. George, Utah. Her rivals were left far behind during this 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run as she finished over eight minutes ahead of her competitors. Having won several silver medals in the past for this event, the gold medal meant that much more for her, and she celebrated it in style.

But it has not all been gold medals and grand slam victories. Remembering a gloomier moment, one of the biggest defeats of the year must be the unfortunate final of the Euros. England was denied history as Italy stole the trophy during penalties, defeating England 3-2. There is much hope for England in the following Euros which will take place in Germany, 2024 as well as the FIFAWorld Cup in Qatar, 2024. It has been a year filled with hope and optimism. Sports has provided a returned sense of normalcy for many, as we slowly return to pre- COVID times. Let’s all continue supporting our athletes as we shift our focus to rugby… By Isabel Llabres Diaz