The Royal Philosophical of Glasgow

The Royal Philosophical Society of Glasgow was founded in 1802, when the term ‘philosophy’ meant knowledge in the broadest sense. The Society provides stimulating lectures and discussion for members on a great diversity of topics. If you are someone who enjoys learning about what is happening in the world around you, being introduced to new discoveries and exposed to new ideas, and are not already a member, then join us and expand your horizons!

Membership is FREE for full-time students and the under 25’s >

We are now planning the lectures, member trips and events for next season, beginning in Autumn 2024.

Member reviews of some of our recent talks are available below:

Back to the beginning of time; exploring the mysteries of star and galaxy formation with the James Webb Space Telescope a talk by Dr David Rosario – Review by Croy Thomson

Everest East Side Story a talk by Stephen Venables – Review by Croy Thomson

Why we should think about the relationship between climate change and mental health in Scotland a talk by Professor Hester Parr – Review by Croy Thomson

All the world’s a play… a talk by David Edgar – Review by Croy Thomson

Towards a Public Bio-Ethics… a talk by Professor Sarah Cunningham-Burley – Review by Croy Thomson

Members’ visits

Our members’ trip to visit one of our sister societies in Belfast will take place on 20th May and our Gardens trip “Pentlands to Portrack” is on Tuesday 4th June. Both of these events are fully booked but members can put their names forward in case there are any cancellations.

Our annual soiree will take place at the Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow on Wednesday 25^th September 2024. As mentioned at the AGM, this will be focused on Lord Kelvin, who twice served as the RPSG President and had a long association with Glasgow University . This year is the 200^th anniversary of Lord Kelvin’s birth, and the evening will include a lecture and a opportunity to view some of his scientific instruments. Full details will be circulated to members in due course.

From Our YouTube Channel

We have many videos of previous lectures and some about the society on our YouTube channel >

Active Since 1802 to the Present Day

Image of an old printed document that forms part of the society's history

Learn more about the history of the society >

Image of Sir Charles Wilson lecture theatre taken from the back of the room on the central stairway. The seats are filled with society members, The chairperson is taking to the speaker just before the start of a lecture. A glass in-filled arch and front door are shown on the front left of the theatre.

Our more recent home at the the Sir Charles Wilson Building at the University of Glasgow.

Learn more about the venue >

Join the Society

An image of society members looking taken at the the font of the lecture theatre. The audience are wearing cardboard framed stereo glasses to see a stereo anaglyph projection in 3D.

Membership brings free access to all talks as well as other benefits. After each talk you can meet the lecturer and other society members over a glass of wine.

MEMBERSHIP IS FREE FOR STUDENTS AND UNDER 25’S

Find out more about becoming a member>