Part 01: Wisdom
Introduction to Philosophy & Meditation
Our next term starts week beginning 20th January 2025 - sign up to enjoy the benefits of philosophy and meditation that last a lifetime.
Enrol NowDuration
10 Weeks
Fee
€10.00
Term
13th Jan - 29th Mar
Check your class for exact start dateOur next course starts week beginning 20th January 2025 at a location near you or via Zoom. The fee for this course is heavily discounted because we'd like as many people as possible to enjoy its benefits. Philosophy means ‘the love of wisdom’ and wisdom is what helps us to master the art of living. In this course, you will learn how to apply wisdom practically in your everyday life. This course also helps you to prepare for a course in mantra-based meditation which you are invited to join free of charge at the end of the course.
For the best experience, attend an in-person class near you so that you can enjoy the presence of others in a live group setting. If you don't have an in-person course near you and you choose to attend one of our Zoom courses note that you will need a working camera and microphone to take part.
What students say:
'The course exceeded all expectations. It has been a wonderful rewarding experience. The tutors are phenomenal and the class discussions are always interesting and enlightening. The class is the highlight of my week and I always leave it feeling a little wiser and happier than I was before I went in.'
'I enjoyed listening to others' experiences in the group and I picked up useful tips from the tutors'
'The informality of the sessions made for a great atmosphere and the tutor was very good about making everyone feel comfortable'
'I enjoyed the stimulating discussions and the friendly conversations with the group'
'The people were all lovely. It was nice to gather with like-minded people and yet a lot of different perspectives.'
Many thousands of students have enjoyed this Introductory Course in Philosophy and Meditation across Ireland and Northern Ireland for over 50 years. Some stay to continue their journey of self-discovery for many years and for others, this course is just enough to enjoy on its own.
Come along and expand your perspective, make new friends, and explore the possibilities that philosophy and meditation can bring to your life.
Week 1
The Wisdom Within
How philosophy can help us live richer, less stressful lives. Philosophy is the love of wisdom - and what is wisdom? The knowledge to help us master the art of living. Introduction to an awareness exercise that we will use throughout the term
Week 2
Know Thyself
Modern philosophy distinguishes two types of self-knowledge. One is knowledge about one’s own particular mental and emotional states. The other is knowledge of a persistent self, that is, a self that persists whatever the mental or emotional states may be. We consider both of these in this session and look at quotes from the Tao Te Ching, Autobiography of a Yogi, Rumi and Hildegard of Bingen
Week 3
Being Awake
Explore deeper levels of awareness, and how we can become more awake to the world around us. In seeking wisdom, and a true understanding of ourselves, and the world in which we live, we have a great gift. That is the gift of awareness. We consider quotes by poets Mary Spain and William Blake, along with Plato and Shakespeare
Week 4
The Present Moment
Being awake, living in the present, is very much to do with attention. This is a remarkable power, which is available to anyone. Where there is a strong power of attention, it is of great benefit not only in dealing with everyday, worldly matters, but also in connecting with the higher levels of awareness. We look at philosopher Swami Vivekananda and extracts from the book Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
Week 5
Living justly
Over the centuries one of the key questions of philosophy has been concerned with the nature of justice and injustice. In this session we will consider what Plato said about this
Week 6
The Threefold Energy
In this session we consider energy. What is energy? Do we find that our energy levels vary? Would we like to have more energy? Do we always have the right type of energy? Do we use our energies in the best way?We will look at a model that describes the world and everything in it in relation to three energies that may be thought of as light, activity and regulation.
Week 7
The Light of Reason
Developing Reason in Speech and Discussion. Plato’s writings mostly take the form of dialogues in which Socrates is the main speaker. In this session we consider four points which emerge from these dialogues and see how they may be applied in practice. When these are applied we may gain some insight into what is often referred to as the Socratic method or Socratic dialogue. 1. Truth is the goal 2. Be willing to be refuted 3.Listen 4. Question
Week 8
The Power of Beauty
what is beauty? Where do we find it? Is there such a thing as absolute beauty? These are questions with which philosophers have been concerned for millennia. Why do they consider these questions? Why is beauty such an important subject? 'Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light within the heart.' Kahlil Gibran
Week 9
Unity in Diversity
Diversity adds to the richness of life. Is there ever a problem with diversity? Do we sometimes feel overwhelmed by diversity? Despite all these differences, what is it that unites us? What has brought us here together? What makes us the same? What do we have in common? ' All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man does not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web he does to himself . . . All things are connected.' Attributed to Chief Seattle of the Duwamish Tribe
Week 10
The Desire for Truth
What does it mean to be true to yourself? 'This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.' Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act I, Scene 3. Now that you have completed this Introductory Course, you are invited to continue your journey with our follow - on course in Philosophy and Happiness and also to our course in mantra-based meditation, which is offered free of charge.
Dublin 4
School of Philosophy & Economic Science, 47-49 Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge
Belfast
The Malone Hotel, 60 Eglantine Avenue, Malone Road, Belfast
Cork
18 Anglesea St, Cork
Derry/Londonderry
St. Columb's Park House, Limavady Road, Derry
Ennis
Clare Education Centre, Kilrush Road, Ennis
Galway
Ardilaun Hotel, Taylor's Hill, Galway
Kilkenny
St Kieran’s College, College Road, Kilkenny
Limerick
Marshal House, Dooradoyle Road, Limerick
Newry
Newry Conference & Banqueting Centre, 39-41 The Mall, Newry
Townley Hall
Townley Hall Main House, Slane Road, Drogheda
Philosophy & Meditation Online
Ongoing Learning
Part 02, Practical Philosophy:
Happiness€70/£60
We are all seeking happiness - how is happiness lost and how can we find it ? This course will provide you with a map to where it may be found.
- Is Happiness natural?
- Is happiness permanent or temporary?
- Can we all be happy?
- Is happiness an impossible dream?
Part 03, Practical Philosophy:
Love€70/£60
Everyone has pure love within their nature. This signifies an absence of selfishness or limit. Despite evidence to the contrary, we all try to express pure love in our daily lives.
Learn MorePart 04, Practical Philosophy:
Presence€70/£60
The love, happiness, and intelligence, which are within everyone, are naturally available when the mind is truly present.
Learn More