About PhilChat
PhilChat is a postgraduate-run philosophy group that aims to introduce undergraduate students to interesting and socially relevant debates within, and related to, philosophy.
We aim to broaden our philosophical horizons by addressing issues that fall outside the Manchester undergraduate curriculum and to foster a collegial and friendly environment amongst undergraduate and postgraduate students.
In 2015, the University of Manchester became a new chapter of MAP (Minorities and Philosophy) the UK, an organisation that aims to facilitate the participation of members from underrepresented groups in academic philosophy. PhilChat constitutes the University of Manchester’s chapter and is dedicated to furthering the promotion of equality and representation within academic philosophy. PhilChat currently runs two main streams of activity: a monthly PhD-led seminar series and the Annual PhilChat Conference.
The PhilChat monthly seminar talks are given by current University of Manchester PhD candidates and attended by both undergraduate and postgraduate students. We aim to cover a range of interesting and current topics. Past PhilChat events have, for example, covered implicit biases; arguments for and against procreation; what it means to be 'normal'; and whether killing in war is ever justified. Each talk is followed by a short break and then an open Q&A and discussion with the speaker and the rest of the group. For questions about the monthly seminar series, please contact the convener, Leonie Smith.
From 2015-16, we have also held the annual PhilChat undergraduate conference. This one-day event includes talks on socially relevant topics within philosophy, as well as a philosophy postgraduate studies workshop aimed at current undergraduate students. Attendees are also given the opportunity to socialise and discuss the topics raised with speakers and organisers over a conference lunch and casual dinner
The PhilChat committee is Jon Bebb (lead for the annual event), Leonie Smith (monthly seminar convener) and Maria Evaristo Cursino Da Silva (undergraduate representative). If you would like to get involved in PhilChat or would like to present a paper at one of our events, please get in touch with Jon Bebb or Leonie Smith.
Past Events
2020: ‘On the Necessities, Possibilities, and Future of Analytic Philosophy’
2019: ‘Extending Knowledge: Decolonised, Non-Western and Interdisciplinary Perspectives’
2018: ‘Trust, Forgiveness, and the Philosophy of Mixed-Race Identities’
2017: ‘Race, Gender and Class in Philosophy’
2016: ‘The Philosophy of Race, Gender and Disability’