University Philosophical Society (Trinity College, Dublin)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
The University Philosophical Society (commonly known as The Phil) is a paper-reading and debating society in Trinity College, Dublin. It has been in continuous existence since 1684.It is currently situated in the Graduates' Memorial Building of Trinity College, which it shares with the College Historical Society. Traditionally a paper reading society, it is now considered a debating society, though it still frequently invites guests to read papers.
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History
In 1684, future Irish politician and and philosopher William Molyneaux founded the the Dublin Philosophical Society in Trinity College, Dublin, a paper-reading society. The society was revolutionary for its day, and existed for nearly 50 years until, in 1731, it was ejected from the College after a public duel. Many of its members then formed the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), which acquired Kildare House. Members of this society included George Berkeley, Jonathan Swift and Oliver Goldsmith.
In 1853, the University Philosophical Society was founded, with the Provost of the College as its Senior Patron. The society's past members include Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, Oliver St. John Gogarty, Mary Robinson, and Nobel Laureates Ernest Walton and Samuel Beckett. The Phil is the oldest paper-reading society in the world, and the largest in Ireland.
The society's past members include Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, Oliver St. John Gogarty, Mary Robinson, and Nobel Laureates Ernest Walton and Samuel Beckett. The Phil is the oldest paper-reading society in the world, and the largest in Ireland.
Dating
The College Calendar lists two dates, 1684 and 1853, as the foundation of the society. Sessions were originally dated from 1853, a policy which continued until the 1960s. Since then, the society dates its sessions from 1684, making the 2005/06 session the 321st. The date on its insignia is 1853.
Guests
During its long history, the Society has recorded the presence of many remarkable guests, among them Frederick Engels, Karl Popper, Bertrand Russell and Winston Churchill.
In more recent years guests have included John Kenneth Galbraith, Mary Robinson, The Edge of U2, Peter Sutherland, George Galloway, Howard Marks, Germaine Greer, Spike Milligan, Ron Jeremy, Vivienne Westwood and even Bart Simpson.
Guests of the 2004/05 session included US Senator John McCain, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, former Taoiseach John Bruton, Eddie Irvine, Ann Krueger, Ambassador Bill Harrop and Bob Geldof. The inaugural meeting of the session featured Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Northern Irish politician John Hume, and former Taoisigh Albert Reynolds and Garret FitzGerald.
Notable Former Presidents and Members
The current President is Andrew Campbell, a former Secretary and Vice-President of the society.
External links
- University Philosophical Society (http://www.tcdphil.com)
