 Philosophical Practice
Wisdom Seminars
Ancient philosophy was primarily a practical enterprise and was meant to
tend to the “passions” or sufferings of the soul. Today we call this
“psychotherapy,” in Greek, psyche + therapeia—or care of the soul.
In 1981, the German philosopher Gerd Achenbach began to practice
philosophical counseling, in effect, reviving the ancient role of
philosophy as “psychotherapy.” Since then academically trained
philosophers all over the world have begun exploring various venues for
bringing the virtues and skills of philosophical training into the
mainstream.
The form of philosophical practice discussed on this website may be summed
up by noting three leading ideas.
*There is a body of wisdom teachings we can study with profit today: for
guidance and training basic human skills conducive to human flourishing.
*The Wisdom Seminar is the preferred vehicle of study and practice.
Teachings are presented to groups for discussion. The aim of all
discussion is practical application. (For a list of Seminars, past
and future, see [under construction]).
*The general idea is to give participants tools for practice in the art of
living. These tools, drawn from a vast heritage, must be adapted to
individual needs in a contemporary setting.
Wisdom Seminar
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