Michael Matye Statement of Purpose I want to study philosophy at the University of Bristol because of its faculty and strengths

in the area of ethics. Although I wrote my writing sample on Aristotles ethics, I am interested in moral philosophy in a broad sense. Through the course of my studies at the University of Wisconsin, I was interested in approaching the following questions: What is the best kind of life? What kind of political structure best facilitates that kind of life? I am also interested in ancient philosophy, epistemology, and philosophy of religion. I believe the University of Bristol has a philosophy faculty that will help me further understand many of these issues. For example, Giles Pearson is interested in ethics, Plato, and Aristotle. I believe my writing sample indicates a strong interest in these areas. I would be very excited to approach these subjects with Professor Pearson. As someone greatly interested in virtue ethics, I am confident I will find such his research very appealing. James Doyle, also, has interests that overlap with mine. Working under the guidance of either of these philosophers would greatly expand my perspective and stimulate my intellectual growth. I hope to use my masters degree from the University of Bristol to pursue entrance to a doctoral degree program. I am confident that my experience at the University of Bristol will prepare me for the rigors of any philosophical doctoral program. I am determined and excited regarding this opportunity to study philosophy. Thank you for your time, Michael Matye