The Yorkshire Philosophical Society's aims are to promote interest in and understanding of natural sciences, archaeology and antiquities together with any technological developments affecting them and any social issues which these may raise.

 The Society's objectives are to:

• Promote, support and protect the interests of the Yorkshire Museum, its collections and the Gardens, through guardianship vested in the Society under the Heads of Agreement of 1960, and by other appropriate means   

• Arrange educational events

• Publish, and support the publication by others of appropriate works

• Support research and appropriate causes by the issue of grants or loans

• Initiate and/or promote innovative projects, programmes, or events in line with the Society's aims

• Arrange lectures for the general public and for Society members

• Arrange other activities for Society members and their guests