How to Live Philosophically
Ancient wisdom for modern life.
What: A Curious Soul Philosophy workshop series
Where: Online via Zoom
When: Each workshop is 3 Saturdays, new dates TBA
What Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Workshop Description:
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,” was something that took hold of one’s ways of thinking, feeling, seeking, choosing, loving, and creating.
Without a coherent philosophy to guide one’s life, a person could end up pursuing unhealthy goals, acting at cross-purposes, and undermining their true desires. They could end up frustrated, easily manipulated by others, and suffering from a variety of anxieties. Philosophy, they thought, was a kind of 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 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 they recommend, and begin to apply the insights that inspire us to our own lives.
Workshop One: Socrates and Living the Examined Life
Topics:
- Becoming aware of one’s own ignorance
- Questioning popular values
- Learning how to dialogue
- Combatting sophistry
- Engaging in education as self-transformation
Readings from: Plato’s Apology, Crito, Republic (Allegory of the Cave).
The text to purchase: Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo by Plato, translated by G.M.A. Grube, Hackett Publishing Co.
Workshop Two: Plato and Love
Topics:
- Examining desire
- Identifying problematic forms of love
- Love as a state of being “in between”
- The highest form of love
- Love’s creativity
- Finding a friend in love
Readings from: Plato’s Symposium, Phaedrus (Socrates’ Second Speech)
The text to purchase: Plato on Love: Lysis, Symposium, Phaedrus, Alcibiades by Plato, edited by C.D.C Reeve, Hackett Publishing Co.
Workshop Three: Aristotle and Building Healthy Habits 
- Examining the human good
- Shooting for moderation in our passions and actions
- Activating freedom and taking responsibility for our habits
- The importance of true friendship in our commitment to excellence
Readings from: Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics
The text to purchase: Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle, translated by Martin Ostwald, Macmillan Publishing Co.
Workshop Four: Stoics and Overcoming Anxiety
Topics:
- Learning what you can and can’t control
- Dealing with attachments and loss
- Exercises for letting go
- Finding peace and joy
Readings from: Epictetus’ Enchiridion and
William Irvine’s A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy
The text to purchase: A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy by William Irvine, Oxford University Press
About Philosophy Workshops
Philosophy Workshops emphasize discussion, life experience, and practical application. They are led by philosophy professors 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!
About Your Workshop Leader:
Monica Vilhauer, Ph.D. is a former professor of philosophy and the founder of Curious Soul Philosophy. She’s committed to the practical value of philosophy for everyday life, and she’s always looking for ways to move philosophy beyond academic settings and into the community. She does this by offering workshops, retreats, and individual philosophical counseling through Curious Soul.
The Theory and the Lab:
There are two portions of this discussion-based workshop: 1) the Theory, and 2) the Lab.
In the Theory portion of the workshop (the first half of each session) we’ll work to understand key concepts from our reading for the day and from supplementary mini-lectures given by the workshop leader. In the Lab portion of the workshop (the second half) we will reflect on the ways in which the theory applies to our own personal and political struggles. We will devise “experiments” for putting key concepts into practice in our lives, and we will discuss with each other how our experiments work out.
Preparation:
For each meeting, participants should read in advance the selection of text we’ll be discussing, consider some questions Monica will send by email to help us focus, and come with some marked passages to talk about.
Cost per person for each workshop: $200 (Each workshop is three 2-hour philosophy sessions)
- You may register for one workshop or a series of workshops
- The workshops have limited space. Register today to save yourself a spot!
- Deadline to register: TBA
- Register by clicking the button below and following instructions to use PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account, PayPal still allows you to pay using a credit card.
Registration is now closed.