Course in PHILOSOPHY FOR LIVING

Philosophy means love of wisdom (philo-sophia) and is an active attitude of awareness towards life. In this sense, we are all born philosophers, with an innate need to ask questions and with the intuition that there are answers to be found. Every civilisation has passed on to us its experience and understanding of life. However, most of us have had little opportunity to learn about the vast heritage of ideas that have inspired and guided humanity throughout history.

The practice of philosophy develops self-confidence, moral strength and resilience to face the difficulties and crises of life. It allows us to become an actor of change in our lives and around us.

This 16 week course will introduce you to major concepts of Eastern and Western Philosophy and explore their relevance and practical application for our lives.

IN PRACTICE

• 16 classes.
• Classes take place every Tuesday evening, starting from January 25th 2022.
• Times: from 7.30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. every Tuesday (connection via a Hangout meet video conference link).
• Price: first 2 classes FREE, then €160 (€ 100 concession) to enrol.

Open to all, no prior knowledge of philosophy necessary.

The course will start online and will continue in our centre in Rathmines, Dublin when permitted by government guidelines.

This course, Philosophy for Living, is followed by further levels for those who wish to progress.

ETHICS: Understanding Yourself

Ethics enquires about moral principles and the impact of individuals on their environment. But also related to happiness, as it helps us to find the right “inner attitude” to deal with different life situations in ways that are beneficial to ourselves and others.

SOCIO-POLITICS: To live with others in solidarity. How to improve human relations.

Socio-politics looks at the relationships in society, both between the individuals and between the individual and the group. It is concerned with finding principles by which we can create harmonious communities where everyone can flourish.

PHILOSOPHY OF HISTORY: Building the future

We are all products of history and at the same time we all contribute to making history. Philosophy of History seeks wisdom in the study of the past and how to apply the lessons of history to the present.

Philosophy for Living: Practical Application

What is the value of thinking without action? Action is the real measurement of what we are, theory and practice inform each other. Each course evening will explore the practical relevance of philosophy and its potential to transform ourselves and society.

PROGRAM OF COURSE: PHILOSOPHY FOR LIVING

Timeless and Universal Philosophy

The value of philosophy in relation to science, politics, religion and art.

The seven principles in nature and the human being according to Eastern philosophy. Macrocosm and Microcosm: the interconnectedness of all things. Introduction to ethics. How to recognise and develop human values.

India

The Bhagavad Gita: The awakening of consciousness and the inner battle. Essential concepts of Eastern philosophy: karma, dharma and reincarnation. Different types of Yoga. The doctrine of ‘avatars’.

Tibet

Selected passages from the Tibetan text The Voice of the Silence. Connecting with our inner voice. Stages on the inward journey. The importance of compassion and the need to develop concentration. The value of introspection and reflection.

Buddhism

Buddha’s Life as a parable of the human journey. Essential concepts of Buddhist teachings: the four noble truths, the eightfold path as a way to becoming free from pain and suffering.The Dhammapada. The art of letting go and the middle way.

China

The teachings of Confucius and their relevance today. Ethics as the foundation of social order and good relationships in society. The ideal of Junzi - the noble human being.

Egypt

Ideas about life and afterlife. The pyramid as a symbol of the human being and society. Moral teachings of Ptahotep, Ani, Imhotep and other ancient Egyptian sages.

Greece

The classical concept of Individual, Society and State. The idea of Justice. Plato’s Republic: The Allegory of the Cave and the idea of the Philosopher King. The 5 types of government. Aristotle and the importance of happiness for harmonious coexistence. The value of education and citizenship.

Rome

Essential concepts of Stoic Philosophy: Courage and Strength in the face of adversity, inner freedom and power over oneself. Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius.

The Neoplatonic School

The fertile meeting of Eastern and Western Traditions. Key ideas of Plotinus. The three approaches to wisdom through the love of: beauty, music and philosophy.

Philosophy of History

Philosophy of History means to search for wisdom in the study of history.

What can we learn from the experiences and past actions of humanity? And how can the lessons of the past be applied to present times and for future development.

The concept of time. Are there cycles and patterns in history and nature? The role of imagination in the process of becoming: myth and history.

WHO ARE THE INSTRUCTORS?

The philosophy classes are offered by members of New Acropolis Ireland team which has over 30 years of experience teaching philosophy in a friendly and participative environment.

Our instructors are passionate and experienced philosophers who, as volunteers, share their experience of living philosophy.

NEW ACROPOLIS IRELAND

New Acropolis is an educational charity working in the fields of philosophy, culture and volunteering. Its aim is to revive the practical and timeless aspect of philosophy as a means of individual and collective renewal and transformation.

Philosophy, in its original meaning, is the love of wisdom and the quest to understand the underlying principles of life. Philosophy as a way of life is an education for head, heart and hands. It develops both the higher human potential as well as the practical skills needed to meet the challenges of today and to create a better society now and for the next generations.