How to Live Philosophically: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life
A Four-Workshop Series
Summer 2017
The ancient Greeks thought of philosophy as much more than an intellectual exercise. It was a way of life. They believed that philosophy, literally "the love of wisdom," is something that takes root not only in one’s ways of thinking, but also in one’s daily habits of feeling, seeking, choosing, loving, creating, and interacting with others.
Without a coherent philosophy to guide one’s life, the observant Greeks noticed, a person can end up pursuing unhealthy goals, acting at cross-purposes, undermining their true desires, frustrated, easily manipulated by others, and suffering from a variety of anxieties. Philosophy, they thought, was a medicine for the soul. Each ancient philosophical school developed its own special remedy for overcoming soul-sicknesses, which could be discussed and practiced with others committed to improving their lives.
Without a coherent philosophy to guide one’s life, the observant Greeks noticed, a person can end up pursuing unhealthy goals, acting at cross-purposes, undermining their true desires, frustrated, easily manipulated by others, and suffering from a variety of anxieties. Philosophy, they thought, was a medicine for the soul. Each ancient philosophical school developed its own special remedy for overcoming soul-sicknesses, which could be discussed and practiced with others committed to improving their lives.
So, how can philosophy lead to holistic health and happiness? What sorts of habits do we need to cultivate in ourselves to achieve the good life? How might we learn from the ancients how to live philosophically today?
Come with us, back to the beginning, as we journey through the insights of the most influential ancient Greek philosophers in order to learn a whole variety of answers to these questions. We’ll read some of the most important texts in philosophy, think critically about the ways of life presented in them, and begin to apply the insights that inspire us to our own lives.
Come with us, back to the beginning, as we journey through the insights of the most influential ancient Greek philosophers in order to learn a whole variety of answers to these questions. We’ll read some of the most important texts in philosophy, think critically about the ways of life presented in them, and begin to apply the insights that inspire us to our own lives.
Meet your workshop leader:
Monica Vilhauer, Ph.D. is a former college professor, an academic author, and founder of Curious Soul Philosophy. She is committed to the practical value of philosophy, accessible language, and keeping a sense of humor at all times!
What to expect:
Is it your first time taking a workshop with Curious Soul Philosophy? Learn more about what to expect.
Register for one or more workshops:
- Our workshops (below) can be taken individually or as a series.
- This series is the perfect introduction for anyone curious about how philosophy might help them lead a better life; it maps out the foundational commitments, activities, habits, and values of living philosophically.
- Register for each workshop by clicking on the buy workshop buttons below and following instructions to use PayPal. Thanks!
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Workshop One:
Socrates: Living the Examined Life When: Thursdays, June 1, 8, 15, 2017 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Palio Dessert and Espresso House 1996 SE Ladd Ave., Portland, OR. Topics:
Readings from: Plato’s Apology, Crito, Republic (Allegory of the Cave) Price of the Workshop: $100 The Text to Purchase: Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo by Plato, translated by G.M.A. Grube, Hackett Publishing Co. Inexpensive used copies of the text can be found online at powells.com or amazon.com. I will email participants a pdf of the selection from Plato’s Republic, translated by Allan Bloom |
Workshop Two:
Plato: Harnessing Desire When: Thursdays, July 20, 27, Aug. 3, 2017 6:30-8:30 Where: Palio Dessert and Espresso House 1996 SE Ladd Ave., Portland, OR Topics:
Readings from: Plato’s Symposium, Phaedrus (Socrates’ Second Speech) Price of the Workshop: $100 The Text to Purchase: Plato on Love: Lysis, Symposium, Phaedrus, Alcibiades by Plato, edited by C.D.C Reeve, Hackett Publishing Co. Inexpensive used copies can be found online at powells.com or amazon.com. |
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Workshop Three:
Aristotle: Building Healthy Habits - Cancelled - Topics:
Readings from: Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics (Selections) Price of the workshop: $100 The text to purchase: Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle, translated by Martin Ostwald, Macmillan Publishing Co. Inexpensive used copies can be found online at powells.com or amazon.com. |
Workshop Four:
Stoics: Overcoming Anxiety When: Saturdays Aug. 26, Sept. 2, 9, 2017 2:30-4:30 Where: Palio Dessert and Espresso House 1996 SE Ladd Ave., Portland, OR Topics:
Readings from: Epictetus’ Enchiridion and William Irvine’s A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy Price of the workshop: $100 The text to purchase: A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy by William Irvine, Oxford University Press Inexpensive used copies can be found online at powells.com or amazon.com. I will email participants a pdf of Epictetus’ Enchiridion. |