What is British Philosophy Fortnight?
British Philosophy Fortnight is an annual initiative, spearheaded by the British Philosophical Association, to celebrate, promote and champion philosophy. The fortnight raises awareness of what philosophy is and why it matters.
What is happening during the fortnight?
There will be philosophy events taking place across the UK, both in-person and online. See our full event listings below.
Why does philosophy matter?
That’s a question that we recently asked the readers of our newsletter – and we received a wide variety of responses! We’ll be posting some of these on our Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky and Facebook accounts throughout British Philosophy Fortnight, using the hashtag #philosophymatters.
In the meantime, here are three quotes that reflect the diverse ways in which philosophy matters to people of all ages and backgrounds.
“The foundation of the world we know today”
Whilst in other disciplines, we study knowledge, in philosophy, we are not limited to the study of knowledge but the study of why and how knowledge as we define came to be. “Why learn?” “Why try in life?” “Why live as we are?” – these are all questions that I can explore through philosophy and different frameworks set out by thinkers whilst forming my own views. For these reasons philosophy matters deeply to me and I believe that it is the foundation of the world we know today.
– Yunshu, 14, Secondary School Student
“Thinking critically with deep curiosity”
Because my passion, central to who I am and my very being, is thinking critically with deep curiosity. That’s essentially philosophy for me, especially in living an examined life, and in examining the lives of others, including non-human animals.
– Steve, 63, Executive Coach and Supervisor
“Ethical architecture beneath decision-making”
In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid political change, philosophy can provide ethical architecture beneath decision-making. Without it, we can drift into technological determinism or tribal politics. With it, we can build systems that are accountable, humane, and just.
– Bazil, 55, Educator, AI ethics researcher, local councillor, and author
Over to you…
What do you think? You can participate on social media or fill in this short form telling us why philosophy matters to you. (The form will be open for submissions until by Wednesday 25th March).
British Philosophy Fortnight events
Week 1:
Tuesday, 17 March 2026 (13:00 – 14:00), online
Representational Wrongs: AI-Generated Sexual Images and the Digital Evolution of MisogynyTuesday, 17 March 2026 (17:30 – 19:45), Oxford
12th National Uehiro Oxford Essay Prize – final roundTuesday, 17 March 2026 (18:00), Keele University
“But you’re her mother”: The moral exploitation of women in family decision-makingTuesday, 17 March 2026 (18:00 – 20:00), University of Winchester
How to Understand Others (Without Mindreading), with Constantine SandisWednesday, 18 March 2026 (16:00 – 18:00), University of Winchester
Marx and the Actualization of Philosophy, with Christoph SchuringaWednesday, 19 March 2026 (18:00 – 21:00), St Hilda’s East Community Centre, London
PFA Film Club: A House Divided (Secret Film)Thursday, 19 March 2026 (17:00), Manchester Metropolitan University
Are Plants Persons? With Stella Sandford and Amber DonovanThursday, 19 March 2026 (18:00 – 21:00), Midland Arts Centre, Birmingham
Ex Machina film screening and panel discussionThursday, 19 March 2026 (18:30 – 20:00), Liverpool
Philosophy Talks at Liverpool’s Anglican CathedralThursday, 19 March 2026 (18:30), BRIG Cafe at The Warehouse, Birmingham
The Philosopher’s Yard Meetup: Exploring Health InequalitiesThursday, 19 March 2026 (23:50) to Friday, 20 March 2026 (00:50), online
Midnight Philosophy by Candlelight: EnvyFriday, 20 March 2026 (09:00 – 16:30), Assembly Room, Birmingham
Network Seminar: Hearing Voices and Suicidality at the ExchangeWeek 2:
Monday, 23 March 2026 (15:00), University of Glasgow
Philosophy, Psychology, and Neuroscience seminar, with Melanie RosenMonday, 23 March 2026 (16:30 – 18:30), Institute of Philosophy, London
Democratic Futures and Artificial IntelligenceTuesday, 24 March 2026 (15:00), online
Illusion of the FortnightTuesday, 24 March 2026 (18:00 – 20:00), University of Winchester
The Life Inside: From Philosophy in Prison, with Andy WestWednesday, 25 March 2026 (12:00 – 17:00), University of Glasgow
International Colour Day WorkshopWednesday, 25 March 2026 (14:00 – 18:30), University of Warwick, Coventry
When knowledge isn’t powerWednesday, 25 March 2026 (14:00 – 16:00), Manchester Metropolitan University
Frantz Fanon & Stand Up to RacismWednesday, 25 March 2026 (17:30 – 19:30), Liverpool
Philosophical Fiction Workshop at Liverpool Central LibraryThursday, 26 March 2026 (14:30 onwards), Senate House, London
#PhilosophyMatters to…Thursday, 26 March 2026 (15:00), University of Glasgow
Philosophy, Psychology, and Neuroscience seminar, with Akiko FrischhutThursday, 26 March 2026 (18:30 – 19:45), online
The Open University: Philosophy and the New Space RaceSaturday, 28 March 2026 (10:00), The Victoria Museum, Liverpool
Food for Thought!Wednesday, 25 March 2026 (13.00 – 15.00), Liverpool
Philosophical Fiction Workshop at Liverpool Central LibraryBeyond British Philosophy Fortnight:
Tuesday, 31 March 2026, University of Leeds
Comedy and Free SpeechWednesday, 1 April 2026
I DIDN’T KNOW PHILOSOPHERS DID THAT!Saturday, 25 April 2026 (14:00 – 16:00), People’s History Museum, Manchester
Philosophies of Resistance: WorkshopThursday, 30 April 2026, Glasgow
Viewing of Ex Machina, followed by discussion and Q&ATake part in British Philosophy Fortnight online
We’re looking forward to hearing more of your perspectives online during the coming fortnight. Post online with the hashtag #philosophymatters, or fill in this short form telling us why philosophy matters to you. We will feature a selection of your responses on Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky and Facebook . (The form will be open for submissions until by Wednesday 25th March).
