Main Events
The Main Events are the bread and butter of The Philosopher’s Yard. In them, we aim to provide access to philosophical teaching and new ideas from a range of speakers and to provide a space for you to explore these topics with others.
Each event will be centred on a topic, such as Consciousness, Legacy, or Capitalism. We will then find speakers who engage with these topics in their professional lives and speak about them from their unique perspectives. Speakers have previously included University Lecturers, Religious Leaders, Charity Workers, and Politicians.
After the talks, we will offer break-out rooms to discuss the topic. These usually have different themes;
The Lounge - offering relaxed and open discussion
The Garden - offering a creative and collaborative experience
The Study - offering a more in-depth theoretical analysis
Come, learn, and develop your ideas in our Curious Creative Community.
Who is this event for?
These events are for everyone. We do our events on philosophical topics but no prior knowledge of philosophy is required. Our mission is to bring philosophical life beyond academia and that means everyone is welcome. If you feel our events are not relatable or have become too academic for your participation then let us know and we can work harder to keep these events open to all.
What does it mean to live alongside artificial intelligence? Should we embrace it, resist it, or reshape it?
A summary of our May 2026 event, which explored how AI is transforming our lives - featuring two thought-provoking talks and interactive breakout discussions.
What does it mean to belong—and who decides?
A summary of a memorable evening exploring the promises and pitfalls of nationalism, with two fascinating talks, interactive breakout sessions, and live poetry from Birmingham Poet Laureate Ayan Aden.
What is education for? Exams? Citizenship? Flourishing?
Revisit the talks exploring what education is—and what it could be (to be uploaded Nov 2025).
This event featured talks from Sam Braham on the “Meaning Crisis,” Revd Dr. Carver Anderson on life’s fragility and sacredness, and Professor Michael Hand on why inquiry into the meaning of life should be included in the school curriculum. Featuring a live performance by poet M. L. Walsh.
A fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore capitalism and financial well-being.
Join us for a fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore different sides of the 'free will' debate.
Join us for a fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore Love, with talks from Dr Amy Burge and the comedian Sadia Azmat.
Join us for a fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore Love, with talks from Dr Natasha McKeever and Dharmashalin. Also featuring live music from Caitlin LM.
Join us for a fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore Legacy with Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C.
Join us for a fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore Consciousness.
Join us for a fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore the perspectival debate between Indovidualialism and Collectivism
Join us for a fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore the perspectival debate between Indovidualialism and Collectivism
Join us for a fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore the perspectival debate between Indovidualialism and Collectivism
Join us for a fascinating evening of learning and discussion as we explore the perspectival debate between Indovidualialism and Collectivism