Public Lecture Series
We regularly offer public lecture programmes to enable the public to engage with philosophy, the Department and its work. The Department of Philosophy also hosts the Donnellan Lecture series which dates back to 1794.
Great Philosophers (Michaelmas Term 2021)
Following on from last year’s highly successful course, this course introduces a further selection of great philosophers who helped form Western civilization. Crucial ideas about the nature of reality, humankind’s place in the world, the good society, human destiny, values and knowledge were articulated and developed by these thinkers. Each lecture is an introduction to the life, work, context and impact of the philosopher in question. The schedule can be found here
Lecturers
The lecturers are drawn from the staff of the Department of Philosophy at Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
How to apply
Register online
Fee
The cost for the full series is €100. Concession rate (€50) is available to students, unemployed persons and those in receipt of a social welfare pension.
Date, time and place
There will be eleven lectures beginning on Tuesday 14th September 2021 from 7.30 p.m. to 9 p.m., online via Zoom
Further information
Philosophy Department, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, T: 01 896 1529,
E: Philosophy@tcd.ie, www.tcd.ie/philosophy/events
Slides and Handouts
- 14 September 2021: Xunzi (Dr Kenny Pearce)
- 21 September 2021: Aquinas (Michael O'Gorman)
- 28 September 2021: Kant (Prof. Lilian Alweis)
- 05 October 2021: G.E.Moore (Dr Rachel Handley)
- 12 October 2021: Wittgenstein (Prof.James Levine)
- 19 October 2021: Carnap (Prof Paul O'Grady)
- 02 November 2021 Ryle (Dr Adrian Downey)
- 09 November 2021 Quine (Prof John Divers)
- 16 November 2021: Rawls (Prof Adina Preda)
- 23 November 2021: Cala Lonzi (Prof.Valeria Venditti)
- 30 November 2021: TBA (James McGuiggan)
Big Questions in Philosophy (Hilary Term 2022)
Following on from previous highly successful lectures, this course introduces a further selection of great questions facing humankind. Topics such as, do miracles occur and should philosophers rule the world will be addressed. Each lecture is a stand-alone topic and presupposes no prior knowledge of philosophy.The schedule can be found at the following link.
Lecturers
The lecturers are drawn from the staff of the Department of Philosophy at Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
How to apply
Register online:
Fee
The cost for the full series is €100. Concession rate (€50) is available to students, unemployed persons and those in receipt of a social welfare pension.
Date, time and place
There will be eleven lectures beginning on Tuesday 25th January from 7.30 p.m. to 9 p.m., (in person) Emmet Lecture Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin 2.
Further information
Philosophy Department, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, T: 01 896 1529 (currently we are not in the office to answer calls), E: Philosophy@tcd.ie, www.tcd.ie/philosophy/events
2022 Slides and Handouts (Will be updated after each talk)
- 25th January 2022: Who or What is the Self? (Prof Lilian Alweiss)
- 1st February 2022: Are there Essences? (Prof Vasilis Politis)
- 8th February 2022: What’s up with Schrödinger’s Cat? (Dr Alison Fernandes)
- 15th February 2022: Is there a God? (Dr Kenneth Pearce)
- 22nd February 2022: Does Metaethics Matter? ((Dr Rachel Handley)
- 1st March 2022: How do Facts Relate to Values? (Prof John Divers)
- 15th March 2022: Is biography relevant to philosophy?(Prof Paul O'Grady)
- 22nd March 2022: Should A.I Have Rights? (Dr William Ratoff)
- 29th March 2022: Do We Live in a Democracy?(Dr James McGuiggan)
- 5th April 2022: Are there natural welfare rights? (Prof Adina Preda)
- 12th April 2022: Are “mind” and “brain” synonyms? ? (Dr Adrian Downey)