Welcome to The Philosophical Society's Web Site

The Philosophical Society: Oxford, formed in 1972, is a community of people united by their passion for philosophy. It currently has 359 members worldwide, a number of them from outside the UK. Although the membership includes academics, professionals, and students from various disciplines, the common bond is participation in philosophy courses and a shared interest in philosophical inquiry.

The Society is not an academic research organisation; its purpose is to advise and encourage anyone who has an interest in philosophy. Thanks to the supportive arrangement with the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education (OUDCE), a discount is offered to our members attending weekend and/or day classes in philosophy organised by OUDCE.

Dr. Stephen Law, President, discusses the definition of philosophy and invites you to join The Philosophical Society: Oxford.

Activity Updates

Last updated: 05 March 2026

• Oxford vs Cambridge Philosophy Row
  Booking is now open for this event. Please see the event's page for details and a link to the booking form.
• Members' Weekend 2026
  The call for papers has now been published for this event. Please see the event's page for details.
• Talbot Prize, Trinity Term
  The winners have been announced and the winning essays published. Please see the Talbot Prize page for details.
• Members' Weekend 2026
  03-04 October 2026
  Rewley House, Oxford
  Topic: Philosophy for the Future
• Oxford vs Cambridge Philosophy Row
  Saturday, 30 May 2026, 2pm-7pm
  Oxford Quaker Meeting House, 43 St Giles, Oxford OX13LW