The University of Oxford has many philosophical treasures exhibited in the Bodleian Library as well as important manuscripts and other items in its colleges. Below are just some of these intriguing objects.
Plato's Phaedo
This is the oldest surviving manuscript (discounting fragments) of around half of Plato’s dialogues. The 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.
Sir Isaiah Berlin's Letter to Rowland Burdon-Muller
Poulenc and Shostakovich visit Berlin at Oxford
John Locke's desk at Christ Church
As featured on the covers of Oxford Philosophy (7th edition).
Aristotle manuscripts at Corpus Christi College
A collection from the mid-late 15th century, including Physics, De Caelo, De Generatione et Corruptione and Analytica.
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.
The John Stuart Mill Library
A collection of 1674 volumes owned by the political philosopher John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) is now housed at Somerville College.
The Isaiah Berlin Virtual Library
Wolfson College host this online resource looking after all aspects of Berlin’s literary estate.
