Quentin Skinner’s classic 1969 essay ‘Meaning and Understanding in the History of Ideas’ was a ground-breaking challenge to prevailing ideas about how to read historical texts, and helped found an influential school of interpretation. Fifty years on, the essay is probably the most widely read article in the area and continues to breed debate. This British Academy conference on 7–8 July 2021 will critically examine the essay and its legacy.

The two-day conference is aimed both at traditional audiences (historians, philosophers and political theorists) and new audiences. It will take place online. To view the full programme and to register, click here.