Isabel takes on the mysteries of space and time
Wed 16th June 2010 12.53PM
Isabel, 16, from Tytherington, discussed the proposal: “A house has spatial parts, part of it is in one place and part of it is another. If it was there yesterday and if it is there tomorrow does it also have temporal parts?” The Macclesfield school’s student’s 2,500 word essay took over two months to write and referenced great philosophers and scientists throughout the ages from Socrates to Einstein, Isabel said: “There are so many similarities between space and time that the house is bound to have both spatial and temporal properties.”
“Izzy” gained nine straight A stars in her GCSEs and is now studying Philosophy, Psychology, History and English Literature in the King’s Sixth Form. Among her favourite writers are Immanuel Kant and William Thackeray, though she added: “I love delving into the mysteries of the universe and contemplating the writings of the great thinkers, but I also love just hanging out with my friends.” King’s Head of Philosophy and Religion Robin Jackson said: “Isabel chose the most challenging of topics to write about for this competition.
“The question strikes at the heart of a little known but raging modern philosophical problem that vexes the minds of post-graduates, let alone students who have only just been come to the subject.” The Principal of the King’s Sixth Form, Tim Andrew, added: ““It takes an exceptional essay to impress Cambridge philosophers, but it is no surprise to us that Isabel has met their exacting standards. She is an excellent A Level student and is very likely to move on to enjoy success at a leading university.
