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The University Philosophical Society (commonly known as The Phil) was founded in 1684 (or 1853 - see below). It is situated in the Graduates' Memorial Building of Trinity College, Dublin, which it shares with the Historical Society and the Theological Society. It is traditionally a paper reading society, although debates are more common today.
History
The Dublin Philosophical Society was founded in Trinity in 1684, and in 1731 was ejected from the College. Many of its members then formed the Royal Dublin Society (RDS). In 1853 the Dublin University Philosophical Society was formed, with the Provost of the University as its Chancellor. While it claims links to the society founded in 1684, it is arguable whether this should go as far as using session numbers that reflect this. The RDS had no links with the 1853 society.
The Societies' past Presidents and members include names as George Berkeley, Jonathan Swift, Oliver Goldsmith, Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, Oliver St. John Gogarty, Edward Carson, Mary Robinson, and Nobel Laureates Ernest Walton and Samuel Beckett.
Guests
During its long history, the Society has recorded the presence of many remarkable guests, among them Alexis de Tocqueville, Frederick Engels, Karl Popper, Bertrand Russell and Winston Churchill.
In more recent years guests have included J.K. Galbraith, Mary Robinson, The Edge of U2, Peter Sutherland, George Galloway, Howard Marks, Germaine Greer, Spike Milligan, Vivienne Westwood and even Bart Simpson.
Guests of the 320th session have so far included US Senator John McCain. In the 319th session guests included Salman Rushdie, F.W. de Klerk, Newt Gingrich, Bono, John Hume, John Simpson, Peter Arnett and Clare Short.
Notable Former Members
External Links
University Philosophical Society (http://www.tcdphil.com)
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