Academics from The University of Warwick’s Philosophy Department were central to the first-ever Philosophy Fortnight, a campaign led by the British Philosophy Association (BPA) to highlight the vital role philosophy plays in shaping public policy, industry, and personal life.

As part of the campaign, Professor Quassim Cassam delivered a lecture on terrorism, and Warwick hosted a conference on 21 March, where over 150 Year 12 students explored university-level philosophy. The University also launched Daybreak, a new podcast featuring Professor Andrew Huddleston, bringing philosophical discussions to a wider audience.

The campaign was launched at the Palace of Westminster, where BPA Executive Committee member Professor Heather Widdows spoke about the impact of philosophy beyond academia. “People often don’t know what philosophy is or what philosophers do,” she said.

“Clichés of philosophers are old men with beards in classical dress, or young men drinking wine and arguing about things that don’t really matter. But philosophy does matter. It transforms what we think and what we do, and is important across disciplines and sectors, including helping us respond to pandemics, defend democracy, and improve well-being.”

Philosophy Fortnight highlighted how philosophical inquiry shapes decisions in society. We readily see why science matters, but some questions go beyond it. During COVID-19, science developed tests and vaccines, but deciding who should get them first – the vulnerable, healthcare workers, or those who could pay – was an ethical dilemma. These are philosophical questions.

Every time we debate individual freedoms versus the public good, we engage in philosophy. Philosophy can inform discussions on conscription, universal healthcare, and the value of human life in relation to the environment, helping navigate complex decisions in uncertain times.

By taking an active role in Philosophy Fortnight, Warwick philosophers helped reinforce why Philosophy matters, demonstrating how their discipline actively shapes the world in meaningful ways.

To find out more, visit bpa.ac.ukLink opens in a new window or follow @britphiloassoc on Instagram.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Stevie Connoll – Media & Communications Officer

stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791