The Oxford
Society of
Metaphysics
Welcome!
The Oxford Society of Metaphysics aims to promote interdisciplinary events (introductory courses, seminars, workshops, and lectures) with high-profile experts for undergraduate and graduate students in different disciplines.
The Gadfly Club
“I am the gadfly of the Athenian people” - Socrates, in Plato’s Apology The Gadfly Club is a (less formal) branch of the Society, directed by our President, Laurence Raran (Philosophy and Theology, St. John's College). It was founded because we believe that dialogue is the principal and most effective method of understanding ourselves and the world around us. We thus read Plato’s dialogue not just as a model of dialogue, nor only for his philosophical insights; we use his dialogues as a springboard to discuss the real and living problems they present. We encourage all – especially those who don’t consider themselves ‘students of philosophy’ – to come and join us, hoping to remain true to the main desire of the OSM – that of stimulating inter-disciplinary engagement.
