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, taken in sequence, 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.
Online classes meet on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Students may vary their day or evening of attendance each week. Click for timings and registration. Fee $90
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.
Online classes meet on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Students may vary their day or evening of attendance each week. Click for timings and registration. Fee $90
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, Apr 12, 2021 to Sat, Jun 19, 2021. Mondays from 7:00-8:30 PM, Wednesdays from 9:30-11:00 AM and Saturdays from 10:00-11:30 AM. Students may vary their day or evening of attendance each week. Fee $90
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, Apr 12 to Saturday, Jun 19, 2021. Mondays from 7:00-8:30 PM and Saturdays from 10:00-11:30 AM. Students may vary their day or evening of attendance each week. Fee $90
Philosophy 6: The Way of Action
This course centers on actions and how they regulate our lives. Good, bad and indifferent action are examined as well as what it means to work with full attention.
Monday, Apr 12 to Sat, Jun 19, 2021. Each Mon 7pm to 8:30pm. Each Sat 10am to 11:30am. Students may vary their day or evening of attendance each week. Fee $90
Philosophy 6: Philosophy and Action (Hudson Valley - E. Miller)
This course centers on actions and how they regulate our lives. Good, bad and indifferent action are examined as well as what it means to work with full attention.
Tuesday, Apr 13 to Tuesday, Jun 15, 2021. Fee $90. Each Tue 7pm to 8:30pm.
Philosophy 6: Philosophy and Action (Hudson Valley - M. Bosworth)
This course centers on actions and how they regulate our lives. Good, bad and indifferent action are examined as well as what it means to work with full attention.
Saturday, Apr 17 to Sat, Jun 19, 2021. Fee $90. Each Sat 10am to 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: The Way of Devotion
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.
Monday, Apr 12 to Saturday, Jun 19, 2021. Each Mon 7pm to 8:30pm. Each Sat 10am to 11:30am. Fee $90
Philosophy I-3A: The Way of the Householder
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.
Wednesday, Apr 12 to Saturday, Jun 19, 2021. Each Wed 7pm to 8:30pm. Each Sat 10am to 11:30am. Fee $90
Philosophy I-5A: The Way of the Householder Cont’d
Continuation of the Way of the Householder. Topics include: Conservation of Energy, Meditation, Peace of Mind and Criticism, The Merging of the Three Ways, and Decision Moving Forward.
Wednesday, Apr 14 to Wednesday, Jun 16, 2021. Each Wed 7pm to 8:30pm. Fee $90
Philosophy I-6A
Wednesday, Apr 14 to Wednesday, Jun 16, 2021. Each Wed 9:30am to 11:30am. Fee $90
Philosophy I-9 Hudson Valley
Tuesday, Apr 13 to Tuesday, Jun 15, 2021. Fee $90
Philosophy I-12 Hudson Valley
Tuesday, Apr 13 to Tuesday, Jun 15, 2021. Fee $90
N-SF
Wednesday, Apr 14 to Wednesday, Jun 16, 2021. Each Thu 7pm to 9pm. Fee $195
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-CN
Classes begin Thursday, Apr 15, 2021. Fee $345
M-2
Classes begin Wednesday, September 16, 2020
M-ES
Classes begin Wednesday, September 16, 2020
M-MS
Classes begin Thursday, September 17, 2020
M-RT
Classes begin Monday, September 14, 2020
M-HS
Classes begin Monday, September 14, 2020
M-RC
Classes begin Thursday, September 17, 2020
M-DC
Classes begin Monday, September 14, 2020
M-EC
Classes begin Monday, September 14, 2020
S-HSG
Classes begin Tuesday, September 15, 2020
S-RSGL
Classes begin Tuesday, September 15, 2020
S-RBGL
Classes begin Monday, September 14, 2020
S-KKGL
Classes begin Wednesday, September 16, 2020
S-AMGL
Classes begin Wednesday, September 16, 2020
S-HVSGL
Classes begin Thursday, September 17, 2020
S-DBGL
Classes begin Tuesday, September 15, 2020
S-BSGL
Classes begin Sunday, September 13, 2020
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 Group
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.
Saturday, Apr 24 to Saturday, Jun 19, 2021. Meeting Alternating Saturday Mornings from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Fee: $75 - $150. Online
Plato Study Group
By invitation only.
Thursday, April 15, 2021 to Thursday, June 17, 2021. Thu Mornings at 6:00-7:45 AM. Online
M-Level Conversation Group
By invitation only.
Wednesday, Apr 14, 2021 to Wednesday, Jun 16, 2021. Wed Mornings at 6:00-7:45 AM Online
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.
