Philosophy is not just an abstract pursuit - it is a way of living.
Modern analytical philosophy often focuses solely on theories about reality, morality, and culture. Even “practical philosophy” spends more time on theory than learning how we can practice philosophy in our lives. Ancient philosophers, however, understood philosophy as a practice for life itself. They saw philosophers like therapists, doctors, or guides. Socrates likened himself to a “midwife,” practicing particular skills in order to help others give birth to wisdom and draw out a deeper understanding of themselves. For them, philosophy was about transformation.
Philosophical Practices are about bringing philosophy to life, developing skills that are both enjoyable and transformational. These sessions combine ancient traditions of meditation and the socratic method with modern practices such as authentic relating. They will also feature talks that share the philosophy and science supporting these arts. Each activity is designed to cultivate skills that enhance clarity and connectivity with the world, ourselves, and each other - making us better people and better philosophers.
In the second session, we will explore how practice can affect our relationship with other people to try and cultivate the “Philo” in Philo-sophy. This will include the teaching of games from the Authentic Relating traditions facilitated by Tom Peel. Sam will also give a brief exploration of Philia, the Greek word for Fellowship-Love, and how this understanding can help us understand Authentic Relating and our larger philosophical practice.
Dates and location
The sessions are taking place across four Tuesday evenings in May and June. All events will be held in person at The Birmingham and Midland Institute.
What is Practice? - Tuesday 20 May, 6.30 - 9.30 pm
Philia: Authentic Relating - Tuesday 27 May, 6.30 - 9.30 pm
Sophia: Collective Wisdom - Tuesday 10 June, 6.30 - 9.30 pm
Philosophy: Bringing It Together - Tuesday 17 June, 6.30 - 9.30 pm
Ticketing
Buy tickets on our Eventbrite: Philosophical Practices Course Eventbrite
Where possible, we would encourage participants to attend all four sessions to build confidence and knowledge in engaging with the full range of transformative practices. The cost of attending all four sessions is £40. To register for the full course, please purchase the 'full course' option for the session on 20th May and we will register you for all following sessions.
Alternatively, single events can be attended at a cost of £15 per event.