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  • About
    • About
    • Our Values
    • What is Philosophical Counseling?
    • What to Expect in a Workshop
    • Rogue Philosophers Video Chats
  • Counseling
    • Philosophical Counseling with Monica
    • Counseling for Academics
    • Counseling for Gymnasts
    • Rates & Policies
  • Workshops
    • Workshops
    • Upcoming Workshops >
      • The Search for Meaning
      • Ethics & Sports
    • Past Workshops >
      • Crash Course in Ethics
      • Anger and Forgiveness
      • Nonviolent Communication
      • How to Live Philosophically
      • Buddhism
      • Buddhism in Action
      • Taoism
      • Existentialism
      • Feminism & Freedom
      • History of Sexuality
      • Ethics and Nature
      • Alienation
      • Alienation 2
      • William James: Meaning, Faith & Science
      • Philosophy of Dialogue
      • Roots of Democracy
      • Ethics of Authenticity
      • Color Conscious
  • Retreats
    • Retreats
    • Past Retreats >
      • Spring Retreats
      • Day Retreat
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The Ethics of Authenticity
What does personal authenticity really mean? How can we develop it without disconnecting from the world?

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Where: Palio, 1996 SE Ladd Ave., Portland, OR
(Note: If our group grows beyond our table at Palio, we may alter the venue)
When: Saturdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2017
What Time: 2:30-4:00 pm. (Come early to order treats!)

Workshop Description: We commonly hear the critique that modern culture is in decline. Themes of our demise include:
  1. Hyper-individualism that too often becomes narcissism and a loss of meaning. 
  2. A primacy of instrumental reason that serves goals of efficiency and profit, but forgets critical thinking about which “ends” are worth pursuing.
  3. A political fragmentation and disengagement that threatens the undoing of democracy and a loss of freedom.
 
Charles Taylor, in The Ethics of Authenticity, takes on these three developments in modernity and articulates their dangers, but warns against an attitude of total impending doom. He argues that we must understand the struggle for important moral ideals that lie at their root -- especially the moral ideal of authenticity --  so that we can better identify where the problems are, which aspects of modernity are worth saving, and how to lift those aspects up from their degenerate forms into a more promising future.
 
Taylor’s inspiring approach is one of a bridge-builder who reveals the underlying values of both the “boosters” and the “knockers” of modern culture. In doing this, he facilitates an understanding of common ground between different camps and reduces entrenched opposition.

About Philosophy Workshops:
Philosophy Workshops emphasize discussion, life experience, self-examination, and practical application.  Philosophy Workshops are led by a philosophy professor committed to accessible language and open conversation. No prior philosophical training is necessary . . .  just an open mind, a respectful approach to others, and a sense of humor!

Calendar:
Saturday, February 4 -- The Ethics of Authenticity, p. 1-30
Saturday, February 11 -- The Ethics of Authenticity, p. 31-69
Saturday, February 18 -- The Ethics of Authenticity, p. 71-91
Saturday, February 25 -- The Ethics of Authenticity, p. 93-121

Preparation:  Participants can purchase a copy of Charles Taylor's The Ethics of Authenticity on Amazon. There is also a pdf posted online here. (I find it much nicer to have a hard copy in hand for our discussions). For each meeting participants should read the selection we'll be discussing in advance and come with some marked passages they'd like to talk about.

Cost: $100 (for four afternoon philosophy sessions, not including coffee and treats)
  • The workshop has limited space. Register today to save yourself a spot!
  • In case of cancellation due to low enrollment, you will receive a full refund through PayPal.

Register by clicking the button below and following instructions to use PayPal. Thanks!

Philosophical Counseling with Monica Vilhauer in the news:

Article about philosophical counseling in Oprah Magazine
Oprah Magazine
Article about philosophical counseling in VICE
VICE

What Our Clients Are Saying
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"Monica meets you on every level: She’ll readily engage with any abstract ideas you have about the world or the self, and analyze those ideas with you, but she also has a way of making you feel that she viscerally understands the difficulty of the situations you’re describing. When I talk to her, I have the feeling that I’m talking to someone who is very present, who is on my side, and who has also fought to be able to live her own life on her terms."
"Conversations with Monica feel non-hierarchical. She is working through the questions with you, not diagnosing you or analyzing you."
"I get the sense that philosophical counseling for Monica is an extension of who she is. These difficult topics are a part of her own life, and she is comfortable talking about what is uncomfortable."

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