Early Modern Philosophers



Overview

Step into the minds that shaped the modern world at our special Weekend Philosophy Event — a compelling series of accessible and engaging talks exploring the groundbreaking ideas of Early Modern philosophers.

From the 17th to the mid-18th century, thinkers like Descartes, Locke, Leibniz, and Hume challenged centuries of tradition and reimagined the nature of reality, the self, and society. This weekend, we’ll dive into their revolutionary ideas — no prior philosophy experience required.

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 on 11 February 2026.

Programme details

Saturday 14th February 

9.45am    
Registration at Rewley House reception 

10.00am     
Locke on Real and Nominal Essence 
Stephen Law 

11.15am    
Tea/coffee break

11.45am     
Descartes on Mind and World 
Prof John Cottingham 

1pm     
Lunch break

2pm     
Leibniz on the mechanisation of thought 
Julia Weckend 

3.15pm                
Tea/coffee break

3.45pm    
Plenary Session 
Julia Weckend, Stephen Law, John Cottingham 

5pm
End of day  

7pm
Dinner at Rewley House (optional)

Sunday 15th Feburary

10am     
Locke on Primary and Secondary Qualities 
Stephen Law 

11.15am    
Tea/coffee break

11.45am     
Hume on custom and moral conduct 
Amna Whiston 

1pm
End of day

Fees

Description Costs
Event fee (includes tea/coffee) £185.00
Saturday baguette lunch £7.50
Saturday dinner £31.50
Saturday hot lunch £21.25
Single B&B (Saturday night) £121.50

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutors

Dr Stephen Law

Speaker

Stephen Law is a Departmental Lecturer in Philosophy and Director of the Certificate of Higher Education at OUDCE. His research focuses on the philosophy of mind, language, metaphysics and on philosophy of religion. He also writes many accessible online articles and edits the Royal Institute of Philosophy journal THINK: Philosophy for Everyone.

Dr Julia Weckend

Tutor

Julia has taught philosophy at the Universities of Reading and Southampton before joining Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education. She regularly teaches weekly classes as well as courses for Oxford University Summer School for Adults and Oxford Experience. Her academic research focuses on issues in metaphysics and epistemology. She has published papers and edited two volumes in the history of philosophy, and she is a co-author of the Historical Dictionary of Leibniz’s Philosophy (2023).

Dr Amna Whiston

Tutor

Dr Amna Whiston is a philosopher specialising in moral philosophy and the philosophy of mind with a range of philosophical interests, research and teaching experiences that include Kant’s moral philosophy, philosophy of the emotions, Cartesian dualism, Plato, Aristotle, Locke, and Marx. 

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation for Saturday night can be booked directly online, subject to availability, when you register your place. This includes a buffet breakfast on the Sunday morning.

Our accommodation in Wellington Square has been rated as 4-Star Campus Accommodation under Visit England. All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished with tea/coffee making facilities, Freeview television, private bath/shower rooms and free WiFi. For more details see our accommodation information.

If you wish to extend your stay with us, either before and/or after the event, please contact our Residential Centre for availability and discounted rates.

Call +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support