In the 1960s, the Nobel Peace Prize winner Seán MacBride described the Philosoph as "the centre of independent thought in Ireland".

[3] House meetings of the society are held every Monday evening during UCC's term time.

[4] Seán Ó Riada was a former auditor of the society,[5][better source needed] and former presidents include Charles Haughey.

[citation needed] Other former members include professor Kieran Healy of the University of Arizona.

[citation needed] The society has also previously entered the John Smith Memorial Mace and the Irish Times competition.