The Department of Philosophy is committed to creating a supportive, safe, and welcoming environment for all of its members, and especially for students and staff from groups that are currently under-represented in academic philosophy. We believe that learning and research thrives only in such an environment, and we will strive to create a climate in which all scholars in our department are able to realise their full potential and have their achievements recognised.

What we are doing

BPA/SWIP Good Practice Guidelines

The department is committed to following the British Philosophical Association (BPA) and Society for Women in Philosophy (SWIP) Good Practice Guidelines. The guidelines deal with gender bias, conference and seminars, sexual harassment, caregivers and staff-student relationships.

External climate audit

In 2013, we invited an academic from another department to meet with female students and staff to discuss climate issues. This academic provided a comprehensive report on the meeting that has formed the basis for much of the work we have been doing since to continue to improve the climate in the department.

Implicit bias and stereotype threat training

We provide training sessions for undergraduates, postgraduates, and staff on a range of issues, including microaggressions, implicit bias and stereotype threat, chilly climate and how to mitigate their effects. We have also developed Active Bystander Training materials.

Visiting speaker meetings  

We offer a number of sessions with female philosophers who are visiting to give talks at our department research seminar. The sessions are open to staff and students at all levels (especially women), and provide an opportunity to discuss career development, gender and other issues, and to hear from the speaker how she dealt with challenges in her career path. 

We have an active women in philosophy group, organised by staff and PhD students (current organiser is Tina Williams) that meets regularly to read feminist philosophy literature. All staff and students are welcome to join the group, which has its own mailing list. Contact Catrin Campbell-Moore to be added to the list. 

Bristol Minorities and Philosophy Chapter

Bristol is proud to be a MAP Chapter. MAP is a worldwide network of students in philosophy departments that aims to facilitate the participation of members from underrepresented groups in academic philosophy. MAP Bristol hosts an annual conference as well as various events.

Find out more

Department contacts

• Havi Carel - Room 0.13, Cotham House. Phone: +44 (0)117 954 6690
• Richard Pettigrew - Room 1.06, Cotham House. Phone: +44 (0) 117 331 0923

University of Bristol (UoB) and Bristol Students' Union (BSU) links

• University of Bristol's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Website. Including:
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
  • Acceptable Behaviour Policy
• University of Bristol's student health & wellbeing page