Courses and programmes
Philosophy studied as a living practice. Each course is a guided enquiry in the company of others.
Practical Philosophy
A ten-week enquiry into how philosophy can be lived. The School's core programme. Part 1 is where it begins.
Practical Philosophy 1: Wisdom
The School's introductory course. Ten weeks exploring fundamental questions: how we know, how we should live, and what it means to pay attention. No prior knowledge required.
Practical Philosophy 2: Happiness
An enquiry into the nature of happiness. What it is, where it is found, and how it relates to the examined life.
Practical Philosophy 3: Love
What is love, and what does it ask of us? A philosophical examination drawing on classical and living traditions.
Practical Philosophy 4: Presence of Mind
Deepening study and practice. The nature of attention, and of the mind that attends.
Practical Philosophy 5: Philosophy & Freedom
An enquiry into the nature of freedom: what it is, how it is lost, and how the right use of reason can restore it. Study for those who have completed Part 4.
Practical Philosophy 6: Freedom in Action
Freedom expressed in action: how to engage fully with the world without being bound by it, through service, attention, and stillness. Study for those who have completed Part 5.
Practical Philosophy 7: Emotional Freedom
Emotional freedom through philosophy with meditation. Study for those who have completed Part 6.
Practical Philosophy 8: Knowledge & Freedom
An enquiry into knowledge and freedom: what true knowledge is, and the part reason and discrimination play in self-development and the service of others. Continuing study for those who have completed Part 7.
Practical Philosophy 9: Philosophy as a Way of Life
Continuing study with meditation for those who have completed Part 8.
Economics with Justice
Economic thought rooted in justice, stewardship, and the conditions for human flourishing.
Economics with Justice: Introductory
An introduction to the School's approach to economic thought, grounded in justice, stewardship, and the common good.
Economics with Justice 2: Ideas
The ideas behind just economics. Land, rent, value, and the conditions that sustain a just society.
Economics with Justice 3: Responsibility
Stewardship, responsibility, and what just economic practice looks like in the conditions of ordinary life.
Economics with Justice 4: The Commons
The Commons: our relationship with nature and the resources we share, and what private and common ownership mean for a just economy. Study for those who have completed Part 3. Runs in person & online at the same time: join at Mandeville Place or via Zoom.
Further Economics with Justice
Continuing study for those who have completed the introductory sequence. Advanced treatment of economic and philosophical principles.
Horizons
Specialist courses, each on its own subject, from Sanskrit and poetry to Stoic philosophy and sacred geometry. Many continue over several terms, and all are open to newcomers and continuing students alike.
Introductory Sanskrit
An introduction to Sanskrit for beginners, with no previous knowledge required. Learn the alphabet and chant the sound of Sanskrit, write its calligraphic script, meet the principles of its structure, and practise with words and simple sentences.
Stoic Philosophy as a Way of Life
The Stoics on how to live well. Attention, acceptance, and the discipline of desire. Two classes available each week.
Discovering Poetry
A guided enquiry into the art of poetry: how it works, what it asks of us, and how to read it well.
Plato's Phaedrus
A close reading of Plato's dialogue on love, beauty, and the soul, guided by the School's own translation.
Sacred Geometry: Philosophy and Practice
The geometry of number, proportion, and form as a mode of philosophical enquiry. Online Wednesday mornings.
Marsilio Ficino and The Soul
An introduction to the Florentine Renaissance philosopher whose work the School has translated into English. Hybrid format: attend in person or online.
Sanskrit
Study of the Sanskrit language and its texts, for beginners and continuing students of philosophy.
Sanskrit Avadhuta
Saturday morning study of the Avadhuta Gita in Sanskrit, for students already familiar with the language.
Sanskrit for Philosophy Students
Sanskrit study arranged for students of philosophy in the School. Enrolment is confirmed with the Sanskrit department before payment.