Centre for the History of Philosophy

This centre brings together the research of the members of the Institute of Philosophy and affiliated academics whose work focuses on the history of philosophy broadly conceived. Research interests range from ancient to near-contemporary philosophy in various regions of the world, and cover all subdisciplines of philosophy.

As historians of philosophy we study the written record of philosophy and related intellectual debates in their context, with an open eye to whatever historical, socio-political, economical or geographical factors may help to understand the changing interests of philosophers and the development of their thinking. Therefore we prefer to study our sources in detail, and in their original language.

In our studies we comprise not only the thought of people self-identifying as philosophers, but we cast our net wider, without insisting on sharp divisions between philosophy, religion, and science. We are well aware of shifting definitions and aims of philosophy over time, so we remain open to revise any so-called canon of philosophy and philosophical texts.

From its inception research in the history of philosophy has increasingly seen the need to remain independent from philosophical, political, and religious interested parties that have tried to control the historical narrative for their own purposes. We feel free to critically assess any and all claims about the sources we study, and to facilitate philosophical discussions across the boundaries of times and cultures. At the same time we wish to bring history of philosophy to bear on discussions in contemporary philosophy by providing a productive perspective to the existing literature.