Introductory Philosophy Course

Session 1

  • The importance and meaning of philosophy.
  • What is wisdom?
  • How can wisdom be expressed in practice?
  • The qualities of a wise person.
  • A practical exercise to develop inner poise and efficiency in action.

Session 2

  • Self-knowledge as the basis for good living.
  • The constant underlying the changeable world.
  • The importance of clear observation.
  • Viewing the world with an open mind.

Session 3

  • The levels of awareness.
  • The qualities of higher consciousness.
  • Plato: the immortality of the soul.

Session 4

  • Seeing the unity underlying everything.
  • Inner stillness - the basis for developing our full potential.
  • Plato: justice, injustice and wisdom.
  • Acting with justice and wisdom.

Session 5

  • The great power of reason.
  • The right and wrong use of reason.
  • Finding strength and efficiency through inner stillness.

Session 6

  • Raising one's level of consciousness.
  • Beauty: outer and inner.
  • Beauty of form, thought and character.
  • Absolute beauty as the basis of all.
  • Connecting with the present moment.
  • Expressing our finest inner qualities in life.

Session 7

  • What am I?
  • The characteristics of the human being.
  • Body, mind, heart and the unchanging inner observer.
  • Developing the power of attention.

Session 8

  • Teachings from the ancient wisdom of India.
  • The three primordial forces in creation.
  • How the three forces operate in the world.
  • Recognising our true self.
  • Rising above the duality of pleasure and pain.

Session 9

  • The effect of the three forces on body, mind and heart.
  • Using the three forces wisely.
  • Developing the power of attention in practice.

Session 10

  • Review of the term's work.
  • Background to the development of philosophy in the school.
  • Truth, the essence of our being.
  • Inner stillness - the way to truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why “practical” philosophy?

The aim is to discover the vital essence of philosophy by putting the knowledge expounded by the wise, past and present, into practice in daily life. The principle suggested to those attending the course is to accept or reject nothing on first hearing, but simply to be open to the ideas presented and to draw conclusions based on ones own direct experience.

Is some prior knowledge of the subject necessary?

No – the only qualifications are an open mind and a thoughtful approach to life.

Once one starts the course, how far can the study be taken?

Though the topics are quite broad in scope, this should be considered an introductory stage as it is not possible to examine all the subjects in detail. Students are therefore offered the opportunity to continue attending on a term by term basis.

Is there any homework?

Only in as far as students are invited to put the knowledge into practice and to observe its effect and relevance in their own experience. Observations arising from these efforts become an invaluable contribution to the group evenings.

Are there any other practices?

A very simple exercise is given during the first meeting, for students to practice each day. This provides a means of stilling the mind and coming completely to rest on two or three occasions each day. Later, meditation is offered to those who wish to take it up.

What type of meditation does the School offer?

The meditation is very simple and very gentle. It makes use of a mantra and was devised and made available by one of the ancient philosophical traditions of India.

Overall, what benefit can I expect to derive from the course?

Life in the world is often unpredictable and turbulent. We tend to be at the mercy of events external to ourselves, and experience happiness and sorrow accordingly. The course is intended to provide a deeper insight into the nature of creation and the practical means of going beyond the ordinary awareness in order to experience the peace and happiness of our own essential being.