Joseph Butler Society

The Joseph Butler Society

The Joseph Butler Society exists to promote discussion in the Philosophy of Religion. It was established in Oxford in 1986 by the then Nolloth Professor of the Philosophy of the Christian Religion, Basil Mitchell. It has since been presided over by subsequent Nolloth Professors, including Richard Swinburne, Brian Leftow, and now Mark Wynn. The society's meetings consist of a paper presentation of just under an hour by a philosopher from Oxford or an invited guest, followed by discussion.

Upcoming Meetings

Hilary Term 2024:

• Thursday 22 February

Professor Tasia Scrutton (University of Leeds)

'Psychopathology and Religious Experience: A Both-And Account?'

• Tuesday 27 February

Professor David Worsley (University of York)

'Subjectivity and the beatific vision'

Please see the Society's website for details of past speakers at the Joseph Butler Society.

The Society's namesake, Joseph Butler (1692 – 1752) was an English bishop, theologian, apologist, and philosopher. He was born in Wantage in the English county of Berkshire (now Oxfordshire), and studied at Oriel college, Oxford, before becoming ordained. He is known, among other things, for his critique of Thomas Hobbes's egoism and John Locke's theory of personal identity. During his life and after his death, Butler influenced many philosophers, including David Hume, Thomas Reid, and Adam Smith.