Roger Scruton Philosophy Symposium 2022

Students in Central and Eastern Europe are invited to apply for Fellowships at the 2022 Roger Scruton Philosophy Symposium which will place Friday 22nd July–Saturday 31 July 2022 at Sir Roger Scruton's home and neighbouring locations near the historic town of Malmesbury in the Cotswolds, United Kingdom. The Fellowship covers the full £3000 fee which includes accommodation and board at the Royal Agricultural University as well as the costs of all planned activities. Fellowships do not cover travel to and from the event.  

The Roger Scruton Philosophy Symposium offers a ten-day immersion experience in the philosophy and outlook of Sir Roger Scruton, the British writer and philosopher. Sir Roger Scruton was deeply involved in underground education in Central and Eastern Europe behind the iron curtain, and his works continue to be an important voice in the discussions concerning many of the key issues the region faces in the post-communist era. The Fellowships represent and opportunity to engage with Scruton’s intellectual legacy, as well as preserve and develop the networks and relationships that he passionately promoted. Each full day will begin with a talk followed by a discussion. In the evenings attendees will participate in concerts, readings, or further discussion over wine. Topics covered in the sessions will include the nature of philosophy, why beauty matters, human nature, why music matters, home and belonging, the fading of tradition, and mourning and the recognition of value. The Symposium will also include visits to nearby historical sites such as Malmesbury and Avebury, which will provide an experience of the historical depth of this unique part of England.

The Fellowships are intended to support students currently enrolled on degrees in Central and Eastern European higher education institutions. The Fellowships are part of the ‘New Horizons for Science and Religion in Central and Eastern Europe’ project funded by the John Templeton Foundation. Applications are especially encouraged from students working on topics that fall under the project theme of Big Questions at the intersection of science, philosophy and theology. There are, however, no disciplinary restrictions and applicants with academic backgrounds which do not naturally support similar issues are also welcome. 

For the purposes of the project, Central and Eastern Europe is defined as: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, the former East Germany, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine.

Applications for the 2022 Roger Scruton Philosophy Symposium Fellowships must be submitted no later than 27 May 2022. All application materials should be submitted via email to  [email protected] with the subject line must be ‘Roger Scruton Fellowship Application’. The results of the competition will be announced by 10 June 2022.  

Applications must include: 

  ▪A full curriculum vitae

  ▪A statement explaining how the candidate expects to benefit from receiving the fellowship (c. 500 words)  

▪A description of the student’s academic interests, or any ongoing research (c. 500 words)

For a full description of the event, eligibility, and details of the application process see the attached CFA. Or visit: