Practical Philosophy        Syllabus

The Introductory Course is a series of 10-weekly meetings designed to encourage students to gain access to inner happiness, wisdom and strength. The basic assumption of the course is that within each of us is an inexhaustible source of nourishment, well-being and understanding. If this is so, why is our daily experience often marked by stress and uncertainty? With this question the work of Practical Philosophy begins.  The course is designed to help you meet life's daily challenges.

The Introductory Course is not an academic survey of great philosophical ideas as one might find in a university. Rather, the aim of the course is to invite students to put great philosophical ideas into practice in order to live compassionate, reasonable lives and thereby be a good citizen. The proof of practical philosophy’s effectiveness is found in personal experience.

No previous study of Philosophy is required. The course is accessible to all who are sincerely interested in self-discovery, regardless of ethnic or religious background. All that is needed is an open mind and a willingness to examine the ideas that govern one’s life under the light of Philosophy. 

This course is based on a simple principle:

There is in each of us a deep, limitless well that is the source of happiness, love, wisdom and truth.  If we would like our lives to be inspired by these qualities, we need to gain access to that well.  Some of us have forgotten that the well is there; some have decided that it does not exist.  Some remember the well, but have forgotten how to find it or draw from it.  Some have begun to drink from those clear, still waters and long to drink deeper.

Practical Philosophy posits that this well, this limitless source of being within each one of us, does indeed exist and offers a tried and true, systematic way to gain access to it.  It is a way that combines knowledge, action and love. It is designed for people like us who live and work in the world.  It needs no academic preparation. It welcomes everyone who is sincerely interested in exploring this path of discovery.

No one will tell you the answers; no one will judge your steps.  You will discover where you are and who you are on your own, by study, practice and careful observation.  And you will have good company along the way.

The life that you are looking for lies within you and is waiting to be revealed.  When it dawns, you and everyone walking beside you will recognize it and share your joy.