The D Society

The D Society is the main research seminar in the faculty for Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. It is chaired by Professor Catherine Pickstock.

Papers are invited from a wide range of philosophers, philosophers of religion and ethicists, both internal to Cambridge and from outside. A short response paper from a graduate student or faculty member usually opens the discussion.

Founded in 1921 by Professor James Bethune-Baker, the D Society was originally a subscription society intended to supplement the (then) predominantly biblical emphases of the faculty to include doctrinal and philosophical discussion. Under Professor Donald MacKinnon's chairmanship it became the main locus in the university for the interaction between senior members of the Philosophy and Divinity Faculties; and under Professor Nicholas Lash it was transformed into a regular senior seminar in the faculty. 

The seminar is open to all interested members of the University, and to visitors who may wish to attend. Graduate students in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics are encouraged to come from the beginning of their programme and to make the seminars, and the enjoyable tea that follows, a place of regular interaction.

Members of the D Society are also encouraged to attend the regular public lectures in Philosophy of Religion, including the Stanton Lectures.

Image used on this page: Title: Donald Mackenzie Mackinnon. Creator: Unknown. Source: https://tinyurl.com/26jp9ut9. Licence: Public Domain.

The Graduate Seminar in Philosophy of Religion

Easter Term 2024 (further details pending)

• 12.30pm - 2.00pm on alternating Fridays, in the Lightfoot Room [or via Zoom]
• Sandwiches will be provided from 12noon in the Selwyn Room

Please contact faculty-office@divinity.cam.ac.uk with any questions about the seminars

26 April Dr Blake Allen (Cambridge), “Merleau-Ponty and the Soul of Philosophy”. Respondent Ms Elise Morrison (Cambridge).

10 May Professor Emmanuel Falque (Paris), “Realism and phenomenology: For a minimum phenomenology”. Respondents Andrew Sackin-Poll (Cambridge MMLL) and TBC.

Also: ALL WELCOME Coffee with Professor Falque. 10 May 10am-11.30am. Researchers from Divinity and across the School of Arts and Humanities and beyond. Lightfoot Room Faculty of Divinity 10 May 2024 10-11.30am.