Welcome to the Yorkshire Philosophical Society

The society was formed in 1822, when “natural philosopher” was the term used for a scientist, and our traditional name has been retained. We continue to pursue the aim of promoting the public understanding of science by providing a programme of lectures for the public, and activities for members, as well as awarding grants and prizes to qualifying organisations and students. We are also responsible for a number of publications, including our Annual Report.

Our lectures cover a wide range of subjects in the natural sciences, social sciences and archaeology, and take place in a friendly, welcoming environment with the opportunity to meet others with similar interests. We are grateful for the support of IET North Yorkshire for our lecture programme.

Lectures are free and open to all.  Non-members are invited to make a donation to help cover costs.  Children are welcome provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult.

Selected lectures are held on Zoom and recordings of some of these can be found on our YouTube channel.  If you accept the invitation to subscribe to the channel, you will be notified whenever new videos are added.

Explore our website, which will help you to find out more about our lectures, visits, social activities, and publications, and also provide you with a section of articles on many topics you might find interesting.

A guide to the information available on this site, and help to find it, can be found in the Website help link here or on the left.

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Notices

Our office at the Lodge is usually open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 4 pm, but please telephone to check before making a special journey.

Please note varied days, times and venues, including Zoom, for lectures and other activities.  Our programme is regularly updated here, via email and in our newsletters.

Our quarterly newsletters are printed and sent to members without internet access. Follow the link above or on the left for online newsletters.

Since the pandemic, the Geology Group has been providing a monthly series of notes for anyone interested in geology. Click the Geology Group link here or on the left to find a wealth of information and activities.

For any enquiries, we can be contacted by email: info@ypsyork.org, by telephone on 01904 656713 (please leave a message outside office hours) or by post to the Lodge.

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Featured events

Star Carr: Life After the Ice

Lectures
Start time
19:00
Venue
Tempest Anderson Hall
Speaker
Professor Nicky Milner, Department of Archaeology, University of York

View more information on this event

Star Carr: Life After the Ice

William Smith Bicentenary Celebration: Geo Britannica in Northern England

Lectures
Start time
10:00
Venue
Tempest Anderson Hall
Speaker
See Programme

View more information on this event

William Smith Bicentenary Celebration: Geo Britannica in Northern England