“The interest of a wide circle”
At that time, the British Institute of Philosophical Studies (as it was then known) had been in operation for five years, having “established itself in the interest of a wide circle”. It offered many of the same services still running today: “its Journal, its courses of lectures, its provincial Centres and the facilities for study and intercourse now provided at headquarters.”
“The Executive Committee rely upon the Members”
But due to the death of an (unnamed) generous donor, the Institute had suddenly lost its main source of financial support, and these valuable services were at now risk. There was only one thing for it: instead of relying on a single benefactor, the Institute instead asked every one of its supporters to contribute what they could afford. It was an early version of what we know today as crowdfunding.
Part of the letter read:
”The Executive Committee rely on the Members assisting them to continue the work of the Institute without curtailment of its activities and on the present scale which has met with such approval.”
As you will have guessed, this was a strategy that paid off, and thanks to the collective generosity of that group of individuals, The Royal Institute of Philosophy is still here, 95 years later, making real philosophy available to everyone.
We continue to publish our two journals, Think and Philosophy; to hold public lectures and to disseminate philosophical ideas in accessible ways, for example through our 15-minute Philosophy Briefings videos. Our programmes bringing philosophy to schools and prisons are consistently oversubscribed.
Last year, we delivered philosophy lectures, programmes and activities to over 45,000 people, both virtually and in person.
But to continue our work, and to ensure that we are here to celebrate our next centenary in 2125, we need you, our latest generation of valued supporters.
Can you help by giving whatever you can afford, to contribute to our work in 2026 and beyond?
We would be delighted if you could give a donation of £89. This would be the equivalent of the £1 and 10 shillings that was asked for in 1931.
How your contribution could make a difference
- £16 will fund a philosophy class for one school student
- £51 will ensure someone in prison has access to a small group philosophy class
- £162 will ensure a school student has access to a 10-week philosophy class
- £322 will enable a local partnership to deliver a public philosophy event in their area
- £1,200 will create an online recorded masterclass for those new to philosophy as well as A-level philosophy students
Read the text of the letter from 1931 in its entirety
January 1st, 1931.
Dear Sir – Madam,
You will be familiar with the work that the Institute is carrying on through its Journal, its courses of lectures, its provincial Centres and the facilities for study and intercourse now provided at headquarters. It has thus during the past few years established itself in the interest of a wide circle, and we believe is recognised as performing a very substantial and increasing service. It seeks not only to provide for those who have already attained to some familiarity with philosophical studies, but also to awaken interest among those who have not already done so.
This work has in the past been made possible not only by the subscriptions of members, but by substantial personal donations. Through the loss of a particularly generous benefactor, however, the Institute is under the necessity of adding about £1,000 to its annual income.
On this account we are inviting each member of the Institute to make each year a donation of £1 1 0 additional to his or her annual subscription; not as an obligatory increase in the amount of the annual subscription, because it is recognised that there may be members who are indisposed or unable to increase their annual subscription, but by way of donation only. In any event it is sincerely hoped that every member of the Institute will make an effort to assist the Institute by one immediate donation of £1 1 0, if possible, for the year expiring March 31st, 1931. Of course greater or smaller sums will be equally acceptable.
The Executive Committee rely upon the members assisting them to continue the work of the Institute without curtailment of its activities and on the presents scale which has met with such approval.
A card and addressed envelope is enclosed for your reply.
Yours faithfully
JOHN H. MUIRHEAD
LYNDEN MACASSEYS
SYDNEY E. HOOPER
P. M. ROSSDALE
Be a part of our history in 2026