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      • Crash Course in Ethics
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      • Nonviolent Communication
      • How to Live Philosophically
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      • Buddhism in Action
      • Taoism
      • Existentialism
      • Feminism & Freedom
      • History of Sexuality
      • Ethics and Nature
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      • Alienation 2
      • William James: Meaning, Faith & Science
      • Philosophy of Dialogue
      • Roots of Democracy
      • Ethics of Authenticity
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Philosophy of Dialogue: Martin Buber's I and Thou
What might it mean to relate authentically with others in the world?

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Where: Palio, 1996 SE Ladd Ave., Portland, OR
When: Saturdays, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, 2016
What Time: 2:30-4:00 pm. (Come early to order treats!)

Workshop Description: What is a human being? A rational animal? A thinking thing? An autonomous individual? No. A human being, says Martin Buber, is the being who faces an "other." We do not understand ourselves when we try to define the human being in terms of some substance, in terms of some fixed essence, or as a being fundamentally separated from the rest of the world. We understand ourselves when we consider the ways in which we relate to other beings. 

Buber says: "In the beginning is the relation." Our modes of relating with others define our own mode of being; they shape who we are and how we live. We might approach the other as an "It" -- a thing to examine, to categorize, to analyze, to predict, and to use.  Such an approach has a profound affect on who we become, or who the "I" is in this "I-It" kind of experience. In such an experience we become, for instance, distanced observers, self-enclosed, and solitary; we stand back and do not participate. Our mode of communication is monologue. On the other hand, we might relate to the other as a "You," and enter into an encounter of mutual participation and reciprocity in which our whole selves, not just certain fragmented qualities, are acknowledged and affirmed. In this case, our mode of communication is dialogue. In this workshop we will work through what the dialogical "I-Thou" relationship really is, how it might aid us in overcoming alienation brought on by objectifying practices so common in our culture, and apply it to the various relationships of our lives. 

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, October 29th -- Part 1 of I and Thou
Saturday, November 5th -- Part 2 of I and Thou
Saturday, November 12th -- Part 3 of I and Thou
Saturday, November 19th -- Applications of I and Thou: How might I and Thou apply to the relationships of our lives (e.g., student- teacher, parent-child, health care provider-patient relationships, or in our capacities as family-members, citizens, and cosmopolitans)?

Preparation:  Participants can purchase Martin Buber's I and Thou online (look for an edition translated by Walter Kaufmann, Touchstone, 1970).  For each meeting participants should read the selection we'll be discussing in advance.

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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