Activities and Awards

The Philosophy Circle is a registered student organization for undergraduates (of any major) with an interest in philosophy. The "Circle" meets throughout the fall and spring semesters to present guest speakers, host discussions, and organize reading groups. In addition to its regular meetings, the Circle hosts an annual undergraduate conference each spring that coincides with the Midsouth Philosophy Conference.

Philosophy majors are eligible to receive the Carroll R. Bowman Scholarship, awarded each year in memory of the late Professor Bowman to a philosophy major with demonstrated financial need and academic potential. Also, each spring the department also presents the Outstanding Senior Award to a graduating senior in philosophy.

Seshat Prize

The Philosophy Department at the University of Memphis is pleased to announce the inaugural Seshat Prize for Spring 2021, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. Seshat was the ancient Egyptian goddess of wisdom and writing, and the prize will recognize the convergence of wisdom and writing in an essay. A prize of $1,250 will be awarded to the best graduate student essay. Two prizes, one of $700 and one of $400, will be awarded to the first and second best undergraduate student essays. Click here for a PDF.