History

As of 1910, ISVW has been a centre for the in-depth exploration of philosophies of life and worldviews, with personal development, emancipation and critical thinking at its heart. Both then and now, we strive for an international exchange of ideas and a society in which philosophy and ethical awareness play a role.

  • 1907: Frederik van Eeden ends his practical reform projects, including the Walden community, and focuses on improving language and mutual understanding.
  • 1910: Van Eeden begins corresponding with writers, poets and philosophers from Western countries about international spiritual renewal.
  • 1914: Founding of the Fortekring in Forte dei Marmi (Pisa) by Van Eeden and Erich Gutkind, with participants including Martin Buber, Poul C. Bjerre, Gustav Landauer and Henri Borel.
  • 1915: Two groups work on plans for an international academy or school of philosophy. Reiman and Van Eeden discuss establishing an “Academie voor hogere Wijsheid”. A Provisional Committee is formed, including L.E.J. Brouwer as chair.
  • 1915: (6 December) The articles of association of the Internationaal Instituut voor Wijsbegeerte (ISVW) in Amersfoort are adopted. Aim: renewing the valuation of the individual and community through education and courses.
  • 1916: (13 February) Founding of the International School of Philosophy. Aim: a centre for exploring philosophy of life and worldviews in greater depth.
  • 1920: First course participants, lectures in the woods and visits from international philosophers such as Rabindranath Tagore.
  • 1937: ISVW’s 20th anniversary.
  • 1940: Second World War– ISVW temporarily closes its doors; director C.A. Mennicke is given shelter by course participants and returns after the war.
  • 1986: Construction of a hotel on the ISVW estate to generate income to support the courses and philosophical activities.
  • 2011: Major growth in course participants, the founding of the publishing house, the launch of the digital magazine iFilosofie, the introduction of vocational training programmes and the expansion of courses to several cities. And the construction of the first hotel wing.
  • 2016: ISVW turns 100! Publication of Markante denkers by Frans Jacobs and Florian Jacobs, an overview of a hundred years of ISVW history.
  • 2017: Guest lectures and courses by international philosophers such as Martha Nussbaum, Peter Sloterdijk, Rüdiger Safranski, Lea Ypi, Peter Singer, Will Kymlicka, Frans de Waal and Patricia Churchland.
  • 2021: Second new hotel wing at Landgoed ISVW completed and opened
  • 2025: Complete renovation of the ISVW restaurant.
  • 2025: The renovated Philosophers’ Path was ceremonially opened by none other than philosopher and former Thinker Laureate of the Netherlands Hans Achterhuis.

Experience history for yourself.For more information or to get in touch, call +31 (0)33 465 07 00 or email info@isvw.nl to arrange a tour.