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 of the philosophy departments of 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.
Conference Support
Thanks to a regular grant from The Philosophical Quarterly, the SPA is able to offer financial support to conferences and workshops organised in Scotland.
Centenary Fellowship
To mark its centenary, the SPA has created a Centenary Fellowship, which will bring a distinguished philosopher to Scotland for a visit of between one and six months each year.
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. In 2012 the meeting will be held in Aberdeen.
Philosophy Events in Scotland
Our events page has information about upcoming conferences, workshops, lectures, and other philosophy events in Scotland, including calls for papers. If you’re organizing an event and would like it to be added to the page, or if you’d like to be added to the SPA mailing list, please contact the Secretary.