Foundation Courses
Practical Philosophy continues after the Introductory Course with classes that advance and guide students to open their awareness more fully and connect more deeply within themselves. Each of the Foundation Courses covers a single theme that builds on the material introduced in Philosophy Works.
Philosophy 2: Happiness
There is an ancient saying: May all be happy, may all be without disease, may all have well-being and none be in misery of any sort. Like the verse, this course encourages people to find the happiness that exists inside themselves, dissolves conflict and creates harmony and health. The aim of philosophy is happiness.
Monday, April 6 to Saturday, June 13, 2020. Classes are online. Click for details and registration.
Philosophy and Happiness - Hudson Valley - Wallkill
Tuesday, April 7 to Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Each Tuesday 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Classes are online.
Philosophy and Happiness - Hudson Valley - Beacon
Saturday, April 11 to Saturday, June 13, 2020. Each Sat 10am to 11:15am
Classes are online.
Philosophy 3: Love
Love unites and makes whole. But in a world where divisions of all kinds prevail, including those within ourselves, a conscious consideration of love is necessary. Through systematic inquiry and a set of practical exercises, Philosophy 3 aims to help students dissolve feelings of separation and become more aware of the pure love that lives inside us all.
Monday, April 6 to Saturday, June 13, 2020. Each Mon 7pm to 8:15pm. Each Sat 10am to 11:15am
Philosophy 4: Presence of Mind
Mind and its proper use. The subtle realm of mind. Three components of reason. Man’s essential nature and the one he acquires. Working with attention and love. What Am I?
Monday, April 6 to Saturday, June 13, 2020. Each Mon 7pm to 8:30pm. Each Sat 10am to 11:30am
Philosophy 5: Freedom
What is true freedom? How may we find freedom in the play that is life? The introduction of meditation. Meditation and true freedom. The extent to which our lives are free or determined. The importance of resolution in accessing freedom. The importance of connecting to stillness during the day.
Monday, April 6 to Saturday, June 13, 2020. Each Monday 7:00pm - 8:30pm. Each Saturday 10:00am - 11:30am
Continuing Courses
Following the first five terms and the introduction to meditation, the School’s philosophy curriculum expands. Emphasis is placed on a variety of areas including the refinement of meditation. Students have the opportunity to meet one on one with another student who is well practiced in meditation to discuss questions or difficulties that the practice brings to light. The opportunity to work with and for others under guidance is also made available.
Philosophy I-1
Presents The Way of Devotion as a practical means for discovery of one’s Self. Topics include Devotion and its Relationship to Action, Dedicating and Surrendering Activity, Artistic Action. The importance of service as love in action is also introduced.
Apr 8, 2020 to Jun 13, 2020. Each Wed 7pm to 9:30pm. Each Sat 10am to 12:30pm. Except: Sat, May 23, 2020
Philosophy I-3
The Way of Knowledge is explored in this course. Topics include Living Truly and Happily, The Use of Reason, Plato and Reality, Higher and Lower Knowledge and Essential and Artificial Nature.
Apr 8, 2020 to Jun 10, 2020 Each Wed 7pm to 9:30pm.
Philosophy I-4
The I Level sequence of courses ends with The Way of the Householder. The fundamental question examined is How are the Practicalities of Life Met While Remaining True to Philosophic Principles? Topics include: Conservation of Energy, Meditation, Peace of Mind and Criticism, The Merging of the Three Ways, and Decision Moving Forward.
Apr 8, 2020 to Jun 10, 2020 Each Wed 9:30am to Noon.
Philosophy I-6 Hudson Valley
Apr 7, 2020 to Jun 9, 2020 Each Tue 7pm to 9:15pm.
Philosophy I-9 Hudson Valley
Apr 7, 2020 to Jun 9, 2020 Each Tue 7pm to 9:15pm
N-1
Apr 9, 2020 to Jun 11, 2020. Each Thu 7pm to 9:30pm
N-CN
Apr 9, 2020 to Jun 11, 2020 Each Thu 7pm to 9:30pm
N-BRS
Apr 7, 2020 to Jun 2, 2020. Each Tue 7pm to 9:30pm, except: Apr 14, Apr 28, May 12, and May 26, 2020
Advanced Courses
The School’s Advanced Courses comprise a series of subjects that delve deeply into timeless teachings about the Self, natural law, creation, truth, and knowledge. Advanced Courses are enhanced by a commitment to meditation, and to service, which brings the principles presented in the classroom to life in ways both practical and profound.
M-1
Apr 8 to Jun 10, 2020. Each Wed 7pm to 9:30pm
Location: 12 East 79th Street
M-ES
Apr 8, 2020 to Jun 10, 2020 Each Wed 7pm to 9:30pm
M-MS
Apr 9, 2020 to Jun 11, 2020 Each Thu 7pm to 9:30pm
M-RT
Location: Red Bank Charter School, 58 Oakland Street, Red Bank, NJ
Apr 6 to Jun 8, 2020 Each Mon 7pm to 9:30pm. Except: Mon, May 25, 2020
M-HS
Each Wednesday. Fee includes Fall 2019, Winter 2020, and Spring 2020
M-RC
Each Thursday. Fee includes Fall 2019, Winter 2020, and Spring 2020
M-DC
Sep 9, 2019 to Nov 11, 2019. Each Mon 7pm to 9:30pm
M-EC
Sep 9, 2019 to Nov 11, 2019. Each Mon 7pm to 9:30pm
M Level Winter Weekend
Friday January 31 8:00 pm Meeting - Sunday February 2 after lunch
S-BSGL
Each Tuesday. Fee includes Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020
S-HSG
Each Tuesday. includes Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020
S-RSGL
Each Tuesday. Fee includes Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020
S-RBGL
Each Monday. Fee includes Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020
S-KKGL
Each Wednesday. Fee includes Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020
S-AMGL
Each Wednesday. Fee includes Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020
S-Level Weekend Exercise
Friday January 24th Opening Meeting at 8:00pm thru Sunday after lunch January 26th
Supplemental Courses
The School occasionally offers recurring events and special courses that can supplement students’ studies. Please note that some course prerequisites may be necessary to enroll.
Emerson Study
The teaching of Ralph Waldo Emerson is an expression of the highest spiritual knowledge--the philosophy of Unity. Drawing on the wisdom from Plato and the East, Emerson knew from direct experience and observation that Unity is the true reality. He spoke of "one mind common to all" and of "one soul which animates all things." His writings are both revolutionary and reflective and can help inspire our work toward self-realization.
Course fee: $75 - $150. Location: 12 East 79th Street
Scripture Study Group
Location: 12 East 79th Street
By invitation only. This is available to students in M-DC and M-EC or S Groups only.
Plato Study Group
Apr 6, 2020 to Jun 8, 2020 Each Mon 4:30pm to 6pm
Location: 145 East 74th Apt 4A NE Corner 74th Street and Lexington
Choir
Apr 10 to Jun 12, 2020. Each Fri 5:30pm to 7pm. Except: Fri, May 22, 2020
Participation in the Choir is by invitation only. If you are interested in joining the choir for the first time, please write to choir@philosophyworks.org with your contact information and an interview/audition will be considered. Current choir members may re-enroll.
Conversations (Wallkill Conversations Group) - Hudson Valley
Apr 8, 2020 to Jun 10, 2020 Each Wed 6:45pm to 9pm
Participation in the Conversations is by invitation only.
What Students Are Saying
Students at The School of Practical Philosophy talk about what makes the work done at the School practical rather than theoretical.
