
The Society
Welcome to The Polanyi Society, a scholarly community dedicated to exploring the life and work of Michael Polanyi.
Michael Polanyi (1891-1976) was a physician, chemist, and philosopher whose work crossed disciplinary boundaries and opened up many new avenues for research and development. His thought has been studied by scholars working in fields as distinct as chemistry, philosophy, ethics, intellectual history, theology, political theory, economics, education, technology, and others.
The Society exists to encourage the on-going study of Polanyi’s efforts, to invite those interested in Polanyi’s legacy to share in the convivial exchange of ideas, and to demonstrate ways Polanyi’s thought can serve as a resource for addressing contemporary questions and initiatives.
Tradition & Discovery
Tradition & Discovery is the journal of the Polanyi Society.
Tradition & Discovery (hereafter, TAD) is an open-access digital journal that is independently published by the Polanyi Society. TAD is managed by an editorial board, and publishes peer-reviewed essays and reviews related to the life and thought of Michael Polanyi as well as information about the Society and its activities.
TAD is selectively indexed in The Philosopher’s Index and Religious & Theological Abstracts, and is included in the EBSCO on-line database of academic and research journals. Past issues of TAD are archived on the Society’s website.
Upcoming Zoom Sessions
“Extending Polanyi’s Metaphysical Ideas,” with Martin Turkis
Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 11:00am – 12:30pm Central Daylight Time (4pm – 5:30pm UTC)
click here for more details
Michael Polanyi on the Trustworthiness of Science–A Promising Response to the Renewed Skepticism about Science? with Stefan Kosak
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 11:00am – 12:30pm Central Standard Time (5pm – 6:30pm UTC)
Details will be posted here.
Recordings of Recent Zoom Sessions
Recent zoom session recording:
Videos of recent talks on digital resources helpful for Polanyi studies.