#259 Jim Stockton: Inside the Oxford Socratic Club - Tea, Minutes & the Lives Behind the Debates

About this episode

Jim Stockton discusses the history and significance of the Oxford University Socratic Club from 1942 to 1972.

In this episode of The CS Lewis Podcast, Ruth Jackson welcomes philosopher and author Jim Stockton to share new research on the Oxford University Socratic Club, 1942–1972. Recorded at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference, Jim paints a vivid picture of what weekly meetings were really like—from crowded, smoky rooms and lively teas to the unsung heroes who kept minutes and kept the club alive. Discover the club’s lesser-known traditions, its role as a living intellectual community, and why its archives still matter for Lewis scholarship today. Along the way, hear stories of friendship, debate, and the vibrant humanity behind one of Oxford’s most influential societies. The Oxford University Socratic Club, 1942-1972: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/oxford-university-socratic-club-19421972-9781978762602/ + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

People in this episode

Host: Ruth Jackson

Guest: Jim Stockton

Topics covered

• Oxford Socratic Club
• philosophy
• CS Lewis
• intellectual community
• debate
• friendship

Keywords

• Oxford Socratic Club
• Jim Stockton
• CS Lewis
• philosophy
• debate
• intellectual community

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Oxford University Socratic Club, CS Lewis Podcast, Bloomsbury, Premier

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