Philosophy Course Introduction

Philosophy is the foundation of a happy and fulfilling life. It means ‘the love of wisdom’ not a remote or theoretical concept of wisdom, but knowledge combined with experience that can be applied day to day in every aspect of life.

The study of philosophy is of great practical importance for 3 main reasons.

The first reason is that it gives us the opportunity to think more deeply about the subjects that really matter to us as individuals and to societies, nations and humanity itself. These include such questions as: What is truth, Who am I, What is this creation? What is my part in it? What is freedom? How may happiness and satisfaction be found in life?

Everyday life often seems so full of pushes and pulls that it can be hard to address such matters in as full a way as we might wish. Philosophy provides the opportunity to come to a greater understanding of such questions, to examine our own thoughts and attitudes.

The second reason why Philosophy is so important as a subject is that it deals with the realm of causes and ideas that govern human life. This is regardless of whether we as individuals are aware of the names of particular philosophers or the precise natures of the ideas they formulated. For example Plato lived over two thousand years ago and what he said about such subjects as the nature of truth, justice and beauty, have formed the starting point for so much of western thinking since that time. During the course we consider some of these ideas. The point is that the world in which we live has been shaped by philosophy. Whether we would agree with particular ideas or not, whether we think they tend towards human happiness or misery, the fact is that ideas are important.

The third reason why the study & practise of philosophy is so commended is that it opens the heart and mind to greater possibilities in life. The study and practise of philosophy makes possible a life lit by great and inspiring ideas and guided by principles more enduring than personal likes and dislikes, a life which is natural, devoid of artificiality, superficiality or complexity.

The study and practice of philosophy naturally involves all three levels of human experience: emotional, mental and physical. It brings a new perspective to life – more open, more natural, more loving and unified. Greater efficiency in thought and action arises through practice, coupled with the growing realisation that the stress and tensions of modern life can be overcome through personal effort and a change in outlook.

Experience has shown that this practise rapidly and easily brings practical benefits to the lives of those attending.

Being essentially practical and concerned with the essence of the great teachings of the world, this course is for everyone regardless of education, occupation, age, culture and religion. It is not an academic matter and there is no pre-requirement for academic skills. To have lived is sufficient preparation!

There is a 10 week introductory course offered. After the completion of this course many participants choose to take the study further into subsequent terms.

After some time the study focuses more upon the Advaita philosophy teachings as given by one of the oldest Philosophical traditions. Advaita is a Sanskrit works which means literally ‘not two’. Participants are also invited in due course to take up the practise of meditation as a means of connecting more deeply and effectively with the inner consciousness, the source of all energy and intelligence.