We invite you to join us at Somerville College for this one-day conference dedicated to the ideas and influence of all the Mills: John Stuart Mill, James Mill, Harriet Taylor Mill and Helen Taylor.

The Sheldonian Series is a new termly event convened by the Vice-Chancellor aimed to promote discussions about the big issues of the day, informed by our commitment to free and inclusive speech, diversity of thought and the vibrant exchange of ideas. This event is open to all students and staff, and will feature scholars and voices from a range of fields and viewpoints. The next event will explore ‘Truth’. Join the Vice-Chancellor at 5.30pm-6.45pm on Tuesday 13 May to hear from panellists debating the limits and challenges to truth today, followed by audience Q&A.

The College has recently established the Margaret MacMillan North American Distinguished Visiting Lectureship.

It has been set up on a permanent basis to honour Professor Margaret MacMillan for all that she did for the College as Warden, around a subject that she is passionate about: North American Studies.

On October 7, 2023, Palestinian armed groups, chiefly Hamas's armed wing, breached the fence around the Gaza strip and launched attacks on Israeli territory. Over several hours, Palestinian fighters killed 1,269 people, mostly civilians, engaged in sexual violence and torture, and took 253 hostages. The same day, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “Israel is at war,” and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched air strikes and later a ground invasion of Gaza.

The Oxford Spinoza Conference is dedicated to exploring the myriad manners in which Benedict Spinoza has contributed to the history of philosophy and continues to shape our understanding of the world. The third edition will take place at Pembroke College on Tuesday 20 May 2025. The theme of this year’s conference is Benedict Spinoza: Politics & the International.

Keynote Speakers

Sandra Leonie Field (Monash University)
Pierre-François Moreau (Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon)