Frequently Asked Questions
What is the School of Philosophy?
The School of Philosophy Inc. is a registered, not for profit organisation that teaches Philosophy in a practical sense for the benefit of all interested individuals and the community at large. It is practical in the sense that its teachings are relevant to everyday life. All work in the school is carried out by students and tutors in a spirit of service and philosophical practice.
Who runs the School of Philosophy?
The School is administered by a Committee of Management which consists of current senior students.
Is the School affiliated with any other organisation or religion?
The School is associated with other Schools of Philosophy across the globe, with the Head Office in the UK. The School is non-denominational, follows a philosophy and is not a religion. Courses are available to everyone regardless of education, occupation, race, political or religious belief. It addresses the spirit in all mankind.
In the early 1960’s the School made contact with one of the twentieth century's greatest exponents of Advaita Vedanta, Shri Shantananda Saraswati from whom it received valuable guidance in the study and practice of philosophy. The School follows the concept of unity which is at the heart of Eastern and Western philosophy and religion alike.
Do I need any prior experience, study or knowledge?
No prior experience or knowledge is required for the course. An open and enquiring mind is an advantage.
Do I need to buy any textbooks?
Students are asked to neither accept nor reject what is presented but rather to test it for themselves in the light of their own experience. A handout is provided at the end of each Week to minimise the need to take notes. The course fee includes a folder to contain the handouts from each week. No other texts are required.
Do I have to do any background reading?
No reading is required for the course. For those who wish to deepen their studies, the School has a number of books to recommend and many of these are for sale. They cover a wide range of philosophies and systems of thought, both Eastern and Western.
Are there books for sale?
Yes. The school offers a selection of books for sale that compliment and expand on the topics presented and discussed.
Is there a test or exam at the end and do I get a diploma or certificate?
No. There are neither examinations nor certificates offered. The course does not follow an academic pattern, instead it is of a practical nature. Its strength is in its immediacy and its ability to apply philosophical principles at a deeper level.
What if I enrol and it turns out to be different to what I am looking for?
A full course refund is available up to week 3 of the course.
What is the teaching environment like?
Classes are held in a relaxed group atmosphere in comfortable and pleasant surroundings.
Is it a lecture or how much opportunity for discussion is there?
There is plenty of opportunity for discussion built in to each week.
Is there any homework?
There is no written homework, instead students are encouraged to put given weekly principles into practice and observe the outcome from their own experience.
What is the scope of the course and can the study be taken further?
The core offering at the School of Philosophy is the Practical Philosophy course, Parts 1, 2, and 3, known as the Foundation Year. Students may then continue their studies for as long as they wish on a term by term basis. For those who proceed past the third course, meditation will be offered at some stage in the second year of attendance.
Is there further study available?
Following completion of the first year students move to a Consolidation Level, then on to a closer study of measure. Intermediate and Senior Levels follow after some degree of mastery of measure. This course includes the offering of meditation and can also include a study of the Sanskrit language.
What other courses does the School of Philosophy offer after Practical Philosophy?
There can often be a choice of additional short courses for all students including Plato, dialectic, calligraphy, economics, business and parenting. Refer to Other Courses and Events Calendar for more information. To the more senior students Liberal Studies subjects are also offered and include art, science, law, Shakespearean works and renaissance studies.
Who are the lecturers and what are their qualifications?
All tutors are senior members of the School who have studied Practical Philosophy at the School for many years. They are all volunteers who work without remuneration. All members of the school, including tutors, are also current students attending to their own group on a weekly basis.
What overall benefit can I expect to derive from the course?
Life in the world is often unpredictable and turbulent. We tend to be at the mercy of events external to ourselves, and experience happiness and sorrow accordingly. The course is intended to provide a deeper insight into the nature of creation and a practical means of going beyond the ordinary awareness in order to experience the peace and happiness of our own essential being.
I have studied similar subjects for a while. Should I start at Part 1?
Yes. The course is designed to discuss various aspects of Practical Philosophy to build a common foundation of knowledge within the School. Any prior knowledge may well add to the enjoyment of the course and dialogue within the group
Does the School offer meditation instruction?
Yes, but it is optional. The meditation is very simple and very gentle. It makes use of a mantra and was devised and made available by one of the ancient philosophical traditions of India.
Where is the School located?
Refer to our Contact Us page for details of our Newcastle location. In addition, the School of Philosophy has branches throughout New South Wales and Australia and is associated with Schools of Philosophy throughout the world. Although operating independently, all Schools share a common background, teaching and communication for the purpose of self development in the spirit of unity.
How long has the School been operating?
The School of Philosophy has its roots in the London based School of Economic Science, founded in 1936. Its founders explored new possibilities for a system that would bring about economic justice, against the severity of 1930’s economic depression. This form of study of economics led naturally to the study of philosophy to gain deeper insight into the natural laws governing humanity. During the late 1950’s, philosophy became the central subject of study and practice within the School and has remained so, ever since. The School expanded outside London in 1960; its branches now cover most regions throughout the world, including Australia. The School has been operating in Sydney since 1967 and in Newcastle since 1993.