The Philosophy Society at Stirling University was created by students in order to facilitate those with a shared curiosity or passion for philosophical discussion and study. It is open to all inquisitive students with an interest in areas like morality, human rights and the nature of being, regardless of their degree. A background in philosophy is not required, so no amount of knowledge is assumed. We especially welcome first and second year students who want to learn more about what philosophy is, and how the skills it teaches can be applied at a more practical level in later life.
The aim of the Society is to provide an informal forum where students can investigate the significance of philosophy and philosophical study, discuss the important issues uncovered therein, and learn from one another. There are fortnightly meetings held on campus to discuss particular topics, and we also arrange film nights, social events and debates with other departments. Some meetings are dedicated towards helping new or existing students learn more about how to write a philosophical essay, and how to present their work. We often also have visiting speakers from the faculty and elsewhere. The Philosophy Department is located in the A-corridor of the Pathfoot building. Look for posters there and throughout campus for more information about the society.
President Garry Paton |
Vice-President Matt Pocock |
Treasurer Fergus Keating |
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| Email: gjp00001@students.stir.ac.uk | Email: map00021@students.stir.ac.uk | Email: fak00003@students.stir.ac.uk |
Philosophical Interests - Epistemology - Metaphysics - Philosophy of Action - Bernard Williams |
Philosophical Interests - Philosophy of Sport - History of Philosophy - Political Philosophy - Schopenhauer |
Philosophical Interests - Analytic Philosophy - Political Philosophy - Kant |
Secretary Michael Addison |
Publicity Officer Will Shearer |
Events Organiser Ben Lancaster |
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| Email: michaeladison7@hotmail.com | Email: wls00001@students.stir.ac.uk | Email: bjl00001@students.stir.ac.uk |
Philosophical Interests - Philosophy of Science - Metaphysics - Philosophy of Mind |
Philosophical Interests - Wittgenstein - Empiricism - Ethics |
Philosophical Interests - Ethics - Metaphysics - Social Philosophy |
Fortnightly meetings are currently held on campus in the Pathfoot building, where typically a presentation is given by a student or a member
of the faculty, which is then followed by a question and answer session. For further details, check this website again during the semester, and
also look out for the advertising posters.
The 2010 Reading Weekend was a great success. We stayed for two nights at the Glen Clova Bunkhouse in a fairly remote location amongst
the hills (Dundee is the nearest city). Five presentations were given by students, but the weekend also consists of a strong social aspect, where
activities like hillwalking and the consumption of beverages provide a great opportunity for students and lecturers to get to know one another.
Check up on this page for information about the 2011 Reading Weekend.

Spring 2010 Philosophy Reading Weekend
There is also a regular Staff-Student Pool Tournament, held at the start of semester. Look for the advertisements in the Philosophy corridor,
or check this page for updates.
Visiting Speaking Seminars are held on a Thursday, typically in Room C1 of Pathfoot, at 4:05pm. This is an opportunity for academics to
present their research, and students are welcome to attend. Check the 'News and Events' page for more information. These events have a
similar format to the philosophy society meetings, but are more formal.
Dr. Adrian Haddock - 23/03/10 - 'Skepticism About Meaning'
Dr. Simon Hope - 13/04/10 - 'Assessing Injustice'
Professor Peter Milne - 26/04/10 - 'Fallacies of Reasoning: how stupid are we?'
Dr. Colin Johnston - 11/05/10 - 'Time Travel'