Associate and Fellowship Programs and Awards
the two societies

Back in 1913, a society dedicated to philosophy — whose name has been lost in the mists of history — was re-constituted under the title, 'The Philosophical Society of England'. Its founding charter was 'to promote the study of practical philosophy among the general public'.

While one may question the implied sharp division between practical and theoretical aspects of philosophy, the advocacy of the practical relevance of philosophy continues to be its primary aim. More than ever, a healthy society needs philosophers in order to stimulate the process of criticism and debate. As individuals, each of us can benefit from being aware that insofar as our sense of who, or what we are involves unstated — and possibly incorrect — philosophical assumptions, we should strive to be good philosophers rather than bad ones.

Unlike other philosophy societies sponsored by the big academic institutions such as the Royal Institute of Philosophy or the Aristotelian Society, the Philosophical Society of England has from its earliest days steadfastly maintained its independence from the universities.

The Society has its own well-established magazine, The Philosopher, which members receive twice a year, containing lively and informative articles accessible to the non-professional and to students just starting out in philosophy. The Philosopher is edited by Martin Cohen, author of 101 Philosophy Problems and 101 Ethical Dilemmas, who welcomes contributions from members or non-members alike.

The launch of the International Society for Philosophers in 2002 as a sister organization of the Philosophical Society of England reflects the massive increase in interest in the Pathways correspondence courses from overseas. Pathways students are now scattered in over 60 countries around the world. The International Society has its own electronic journal, Philosophy Pathways.

The International Society has now taken responsibility for running the Pathways distance learning programs and awarding the Associate and Fellowship.

You can apply for membership of either or both Societies using the blue form. The Philosophical Society of England continues to welcome members from overseas, while the International Society for Philosophers is open to applicants from the UK.

In one of its brochures it states:

The Philosophical Society aligns itself with no particular school of philosophy, nor is it a cover for any political, ideological, religious or esoteric movement or interest.

For someone who is seeking to stimulate their appetite for rational inquiry, the occurrence of the word 'philosophical' in the title of an organisation or society is, sadly, no longer any guarantee that the goods on offer have any connection with the real meaning of that term, that is to say, the meaning defined by the Western tradition of philosophical thought over the last two and a half thousand years. While respecting the philosophical contributions made by other traditions — for example, Chinese or Indian thought — it is the procedure of rational inquiry that began with the Presocratic philosophers and Socrates in Ancient Greece that sets our particular agenda.