Founded in 1901 as the Scots Philosophical Club, the Scots Philosophical Association (SPA) is the professional association of philosophers in Scotland. Its primary purpose is to promote the study and teaching of philosophy in Scotland. This is achieved through the organization of an annual meeting, the sponsorship of conferences and workshops, the provision of fellowships, and various other activities. The SPA is also the joint owner of The Philosophical Quarterly.
Members
All members of academic staff in philosophy departments (or equivalent units) at Scottish universities belong to the SPA automatically (unless they resign), and continue their membership after they have retired. Members of other academic departments who teach philosophy are also eligible for membership; there are further categories of honorary and associate membership. Postgraduate students in the Scottish philosophy departments are encouraged to attend the Association’s meetings.
Annual Meeting
The SPA’s annual meeting is held on the first weekend in December, with the location rotating between Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Stirling, St Andrews, Glasgow, and Dundee. The 2012 meeting was held at the University of Aberdeen, and the next meeting will be held on 6th and 7th December, 2013, at the University of Stirling.
Philosophy Events in Scotland
Our upcoming events page and conference calendar offer information about upcoming conferences, workshops, lectures, and other philosophy events in Scotland. There is a separate page for calls for papers. If you’re organizing an event and would like it to be added to either page, or if you’d like to be added to the SPA mailing list, please contact the Secretary.
Conference Support
The SPA offers financial support to philosophy events organised in Scotland.
Centenary Fellowship
To mark its centenary, the SPA created its Centenary Fellowship, which each year brings a distinguished philosopher to Scotland for a visit of between one and six months.
David Hume Fellowship
The SPA sponsors the David Hume Fellowship at Edinburgh’s Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities.