That seems a healthy attitude! From what you say it sounds like those ‘weaknesses’ are not fundamental flaws in planning or research or writing, so shouldn’t be a problem in the viva.

Though if there is a kernel of seriousness here it is this. A PhD candidate is likely to be their own fiercest critic. Heading into your viva thinking that your examiners can see into your soul and intuit your every anxiety will not set you up for a good performance or experience.

I have no idea why you appear so eager to misunderstand an obvious joke made by someone who’s been examining PhDs for more than two decades, but just to be clear - I wouldn’t dream of doubting your competence.

Oldie

Don’t tell the examiners where the bodies are buried. If they can’t sniff em out that’s on them.

Genetically modified

At last - I've found a running event I feel confident of completing.

Today, four leading academics writing for the University of Glasgow's Centre for Public Policy have found that the UK Internal Markets Act has undermined the authority and status of the devolved institutions, one that Labour's promised "reset" must address. www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/...