The Joint Session is the premier UK general philosophy conference, held annually during the summer by the Aristotelian Society and the Mind Association. It has taken place at nearly every major university across the United Kingdom and in Ireland. The 2020 conference will be hosted by the Department of Philosophy at the University of Kent.
Since 1910, the Joint Session has grown to become the largest gathering of philosophers in the country, attracting prestigious UK and international speakers working in a broad range of philosophical areas. Inaugurated by the incoming President of the Mind Association, the Joint Session includes symposia, open and postgraduate sessions, and a range of satellite conferences.
The conference is being co-organised by Professor Simon Kirchin, Professor of Philosophy and co-Director of the Division of Arts and Humanities, and Dr Graeme A Forbes, Lecturer in Philosophy. The conference will take place from 17.00 on Friday 10 July – 19.00 Sunday 12 July. For full details see the conference website.
Professor Simon Kirchin said: “We are really excited to be hosting this year’s Joint Session, which is the most important fixture in the UK philosophy calendar and one of the most important in the world. Although we won’t be welcoming colleagues in person, we are very much looking forward to welcoming even more people to debate and discuss a plethora of ideas and arguments online. The first virtual Joint Session will be a truly international jamboree!”
Dr Graeme A. Forbes said: “The Joint Session is the flagship event of the UK philosophical calendar. I’m very excited to see the UK philosophical community come together virtually, and share ideas. This year’s conference will be a little different than usual, but should still be an excellent event.”