John Locke Lectures

John Locke Lectures. They are a prestigious annual series in philosophy held at the University of Oxford, established in 1950 through a bequest from the benefactor Henry Wilde. The lectures represent one of the highest honors in the discipline, inviting a distinguished philosopher to deliver a course on a topic of their choice, typically resulting in a major published work. The series is administered by the Faculty of Philosophy at Oxford and is closely associated with Brasenose College.

History and establishment

The series was founded following a bequest from Henry Wilde, a London-based electrical engineer and inventor, who left funds to the University of Oxford for the promotion of the study of mental philosophy. The inaugural lectures were delivered in 1950 by the Cambridge philosopher C. D. Broad, setting a precedent for inviting thinkers of the highest international standing. The establishment of the lectures in the post-World War II period contributed to the revitalization of analytic philosophy within British and global academic circles. Their administration has been historically linked to Brasenose College, where the John Locke memorial and many associated events are traditionally held.

Notable lecturers and topics

The roster of speakers includes many of the most influential philosophers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Early notable figures include P. F. Strawson, who lectured on individuals and predicates, and W. V. O. Quine, whose lectures formed the basis for his seminal work Word and Object. Later, thinkers like Saul Kripke delivered groundbreaking lectures on reference and identity, while Hilary Putnam explored realism and reason. More recent lecturers have included Judith Jarvis Thomson on normativity, David Lewis on counterfactuals, and Philippa Foot on natural goodness. The published volumes from these series, such as Bernard Williams's Truth and Truthfulness and Christine Korsgaard's Self-Constitution, are often considered landmark texts.

Selection process and administration

The selection of the lecturer is conducted by a board of electors appointed by the University of Oxford, typically comprising senior members of the Faculty of Philosophy. The process is highly competitive and confidential, with the primary criterion being the candidate's distinguished and original contribution to philosophy. The elected philosopher is invited to deliver a series of six to eight lectures over Hilary term or Trinity term at Oxford. The administration of the bequest and the practical organization of the event series are managed jointly by the Faculty and Brasenose College, with the latter often hosting the lectures and related dinners.

Influence and academic significance

They are widely regarded as one of the most significant and influential lecture series in contemporary philosophy, often serving as a catalyst for major philosophical developments. The lectures provide a unique platform for a philosopher to systematically present a new and comprehensive thesis to a critical audience of peers and students, frequently shaping the agenda for future research in metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of language, and ethics. The subsequent publication of the lectures by presses like Oxford University Press or Cambridge University Press ensures their wide dissemination and enduring impact on global academic discourse, cementing the lecturer's place in the philosophical canon.

Relation to John Locke's work

While named in honor of the English philosopher John Locke, the lectures are not confined to the study of his work or British empiricism. The connection is one of inspirational legacy, reflecting Locke's broad contributions to epistemology, political philosophy, and the philosophy of mind. The thematic scope of the lectures is universal, encompassing all areas of philosophical inquiry. However, topics central to Locke's thought, such as personal identity, the social contract, and the foundations of knowledge, have been frequently explored by lecturers including Derek Parfit and John Rawls, thereby creating a living dialogue with the tradition Locke helped to establish.

Category:University of Oxford Category:Philosophy awards and lectures