Shakespeare in Philosophy (ShiP), one of CPCT’s local external partners, cordially invites you to this year’s symposium: 

Shakespeare and Interwar British Philosophy (1918-1939) – 27 June 2026, Garrick’s Temple to Shakespeare, Hampton, UK

Tickets available via Eventbrite.

Famously described as the Twenty Years Crisis by the international relations historian E.H. Carr, the period between the First and Second World Wars was an important moment in British philosophy, theatre and culture. This symposium considers Shakespeare and his plays in relation to the developments in intellectual life in Britain in this period. Papers include discussions of Bertrand Russell, Ludwig Wittgenstein, J.L. Austin, John Maynard Keynes, and A.N. Whitehead. A closing panel discusses Richard Wilson’s 2025 book, Shakespeare’s Fascist Followers: Modern Friends. Speakers include Sarah Beckwith, Martin Harries, Christoph Schuringa, and Michael Witmore.

Preliminary programme:


10-11 h

Welcome and Introduction

Christoph Schuringa: Russell, Wittgenstein, Shakespeare



11-11:30 h

Coffee/tea



11:30-13 h

Sarah Beckwith: Austin’s Shakespeare, Shakespeare’s Austin: Tragedy and Moral Encounter

Martin Harries: Keynes on Art and the State



13-15 h

Lunch



15-15:45 h

Michael Witmore: Shakespeare and Whitehead: Two Philosophers of Eventuality (Zoom)



15:45-16:00 h

Coffee/tea



16:00-18:00 h
Panel on “Shakespeare’s Fascist Followers” (with Jessica Chiba, Richard Ashby, Jennifer Rust and Timo Uotinen), and Roundtable discussion

About the series: 

Shakespeare in Philosophy (ShiP) is a non-profit symposium series exploring the relation between Shakespeare and the philosophical work that has taken inspiration from his oeuvre. Its goal is to create a space for dialogue and discussion involving Shakespeare scholarship, wider philosophical and socio-political issues, and the general public. Events are held in collaboration with Garrick’s Temple to Shakespeare at the Temple built by the pre-eminent actor David Garrick beside the Thames in 1756.

All proceeds go to the Temple.
 
This event has been made possible through the generous support of The Royal Institute of Philosophy Local Partners scheme.

For more information, please visit https://shakespeareinphilosophy.org/.