Faculty of Philosophy
University of Oxford
Philosophical Treasures
The University of Oxford has many philosophical treasures exhibited in the Bodleian Library, as well as important manuscripts and other items in its colleges. Some of these intriguing objects are outlined below.
Aristotle manuscripts at Corpus Christi College
A collection from the mid-late 15th century, including Physics, De Caelo, De Generatione et Corruptione and Analytica
Sir Isaiah Berlin's letter to Rowland Burdon-Muller
Poulenc and Shostakovich visit Berlin at Oxford
The Isaiah Berlin Virtual Library
Wolfson College host this online resource looking after all aspects of Berlin's literary estate
John Locke's desk at Christ Church College
As featured in the 7th edition of Oxford Philosophy
The John Stuart Mill Library at Somerville College
A collection of 1674 volumes owned by the political philosopher John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)
Sir Isaac Newton's Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica
Newton's 17th century work provided the basis for modern physics and is one of the most important pieces in the history of science
Plato's Phaedo
The oldest surviving manuscript (discounting fragments) of around half of Plato's dialogues, Phaedo, also known as On the Soul, makes a central claim for the soul's immortality and explores its nature and role beyond the body