How to Live Philosophically: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life
Four-Workshop Series
Summer 2017
The ancient Greeks understood philosophy to be much more than an intellectual exercise. It was a way of life. Philosophy, literally "the love of wisdom," took 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 guiding one’s life, one could be left pursuing unhealthy goals, acting at cross-purposes, undermining one’s true desires, frustrated, easily manipulated by others, and suffering from a variety of anxieties. Philosophy, for the ancients, was a medicine or therapy for the soul, and each philosophical school developed its own special remedy to be thought through, discussed, and practiced with others committed to improving their lives.
Without a coherent philosophy guiding one’s life, one could be left pursuing unhealthy goals, acting at cross-purposes, undermining one’s true desires, frustrated, easily manipulated by others, and suffering from a variety of anxieties. Philosophy, for the ancients, was a medicine or therapy for the soul, and each philosophical school developed its own special remedy to be thought through, discussed, and practiced with others committed to improving their lives.
So, how might one learn from the tradition of ancient philosophy about how to live philosophically today? How can philosophy lead to holistic health and happiness? What sorts of habits do we need to cultivate to achieve the good life?
Come with us, back to the beginning, as we journey through the insights and examples of the most influential ancient Greek philosophers in order to learn a 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 to our own lives the insights that inspire us.
Come with us, back to the beginning, as we journey through the insights and examples of the most influential ancient Greek philosophers in order to learn a 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 to our own lives the insights that inspire us.
Who we are:
Curious Soul Philosophy was created in 2015 by Monica Vilhauer, Ph.D., college philosophy professor and academic author. It was founded in order to practice philosophy as a way of life; that is, in a way that focuses on philosophy’s holistic value and emphasizes practical over academic goals.
Monica sees herself as a lifelong student of philosophy and enthusiastic asker of questions. She sees philosophy not as a series of pre-packaged answers, but as a process of inquiry, examination, and experimentation. Monica is an experienced guide that can help participants navigate what might sometimes seem like impenetrable texts, so that ancient wisdom may be unlocked, assessed, and applied to our lives.
Curious Soul Philosophy was created in 2015 by Monica Vilhauer, Ph.D., college philosophy professor and academic author. It was founded in order to practice philosophy as a way of life; that is, in a way that focuses on philosophy’s holistic value and emphasizes practical over academic goals.
Monica sees herself as a lifelong student of philosophy and enthusiastic asker of questions. She sees philosophy not as a series of pre-packaged answers, but as a process of inquiry, examination, and experimentation. Monica is an experienced guide that can help participants navigate what might sometimes seem like impenetrable texts, so that ancient wisdom may be unlocked, assessed, and applied to our lives.
What to expect:
On the first day of each three-week workshop, Monica will offer an orienting introduction to the philosopher we’ll be studying. For each session, participants will read a short selection of text in advance, with some accompanying questions to help them focus. Our work throughout the three weeks will include:
On the first day of each three-week workshop, Monica will offer an orienting introduction to the philosopher we’ll be studying. For each session, participants will read a short selection of text in advance, with some accompanying questions to help them focus. Our work throughout the three weeks will include:
1. Reading slowly and learning to “mine” the text to discover the practical lessons and philosophical ways of life that are presented to us. |
2. Lively discussion in which we interpret the text together, think critically about its meaning, and consider how we might apply |
3. Experimentation with applications of inspiring insights. This will get us to try new things and work on personal goals. |
As participants progress through the workshops they will gain greater confidence and independence working with difficult philosophical texts, develop habits of thinking critically and creatively about their own lives, enhance their comfort level in discussion, expand their sense of community, and become practiced at intentional goal setting. In other words, participants will progress in the key habits of the self-directed “examined life.”
Sign up for one or more workshops:
Our four 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!
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.
- The workshops have 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 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. |
