Philosophy & Literature
Exploring Truth and Colonialism in Conrads Heart of Darkness [day course]
Date
Thursday 12th September 2024. 10.30am until 3.30pm
Venue
The Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS
Fees
£65 | Members £55 | Concessions £20
Description
Join us for a one-day exploration of Joseph Conrad's renowned novel, Heart of Darkness, delving into themes of colonialism, narrative perspective, and truth. Engage with thought-provoking discussions on how Conrad's work portrays colonialism in Africa, the impact of narrative perspectives on storytelling, and the complexities of truth in literature. Additionally, we will examine Chinua Achebe’s critique in ‘An Image of Africa’, offering a comprehensive analysis of these compelling literary works.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you directly to the relevant page of the HLSI's website, or you can ring the HLSI on 020 8340 3343.
Exploring Truth and Tradition in Chinua Achebe's Literary Worlds [day course]
Date
Saturday 14th September 2024. 10.30am until 3.30pm
Venue
The Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS
Fees
£65 | Members £55 | Concessions £20
Description
Join us for a captivating one-day course delving into the timeless works of Chinua Achebe, focusing on Things Fall Apart and Arrow of God. Explore themes of tradition vs change, narrative perspective and truth, through engaging discussions and in-depth analysis. Discover the cultural richness and philosophical depth of Achebe’s storytelling, as we unravel the complexities of colonialism, tradition, and personal struggles within Igbo society. Perfect for adult lifelong learners seeking intellectual stimulation and literary enlightenment.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you directly to the relevant page of the HLSI's website, or you can ring the HLSI on 020 8340 3343.
Global Philosophy: Existentialism and Freedom [day course]
Date
Tuesday 17th September 2024. 10am until 3pm.
Venue
Guildford Institute, Ward Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4LH
Fees
£42.50 | Concessions £40 | Members £35
Description
How does existentialism challenge societal norms? In what ways can we find meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe? Through lively discussions and insightful analysis, we will delve into the concepts of individual freedom, responsibility, and the profound search for existential meaning. Uncover new perspectives and engage in stimulating dialogue in this enriching journey of philosophical discovery.
N.B. There will be a 1-hour break for lunch.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you directly to the relevant page of the Guildford Institute's website, or you can ring the Guildford Institute on 01483 562142.
Power and Politics: Unpacking Machiavelli's The Prince
Date
Friday 20th September 2024. 10am until 12noon
Venue
Stricklandgate House, 92 Stricklandgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4PU
Fee
£16 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
If power is the means to secure order and stability, what tactics and ethics are justifiable for a ruler to maintain control and achieve the greater good? In this half day course, the first of four in our exploration of Renaissance thought, we’ll discuss Machiavelli’s response to this question in his famous work, The Prince. We’ll consider his groundbreaking ideas on power and governance, and look at how they challenged traditional norms, ultimately reshaping political thought.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Date
Saturday 21st September 2024. 10am until 4pm
Venue
Morton Manor Community Centre, Wigton Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA2 6JP
Fee
£48 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
Embark on a day of intellectual exploration into the works of Simone de Beauvoir, the influential French writer and philosopher. This course intertwines her novel The Mandarins with her philosophical treatise The Ethics of Ambiguity. We will delve into themes of authenticity and selfhood, ethical responsibility, and the inherent ambiguity and uncertainty of human existence, as we engage in insightful discussions and critical analysis.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Existential Explorations: The Philosophy and Literature of Simone de Beauvoir [day course]
Date
Thursday 26th September 2024. 10am until 12noon
Venue
Jesmond Library, St George's Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2DL
Fee
£16 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
How can we balance national interests with global responsibilities in shaping ethical immigration policies? In this half day course, we will explore Kwame Anthony Appiah's ‘Cosmopolitanism’, advocating for global citizenship and ethical universalism, and then we’ll jump into Garrett Hardin's ‘Lifeboat’ (thought experiment), which challenges notions of altruism and resource allocation. Let’s engage in constructive dialogue as we reflect on the tensions between cosmopolitan ideals and practical realities.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Crossing Borders: Philosophical Reflections on Immigration
Cultivating Humility: A Journey Towards Fulfilment [day course]
Date
Saturday 28th September 2024. 10am until 3pm
Venue
Dilston Physic Garden, Corbridge, Northumberland, NE45 5QZ
Fee
£40 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
Embark upon a nurturing exploration of humility, where each step is an invitation to self-discovery. Join a circle of seekers as we unravel the essence of humility through the life of Mahatma Gandhi and the Zen story ‘Nan-in and the Tea Cup'. Reflect in the labyrinth's embrace, engage in a collaborative art venture, and discover the transformative journey towards fulfilment. This comprehensive day course weaves diverse perspectives and personal narratives, fostering a deep connection between humility and the path to inner fulfilment.
Booking
To book a place on this discussion group, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Date
Saturday 5th October 2024. 2pm until 4pm
Venue
The Cheviot Centre, Padgepool Place, Wooler, Northumberland, NE71 6BL
Fee
£16 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
How can we achieve true happiness and virtue amid the uncertainties and sufferings of life? In this half-day course, the first of four in our exploration of Medieval thought, we’ll discuss Boethius’ response to this question in his famous work, The Consolation of Philosophy. In addition to examining his influence on later thought and the integration of classical philosophy with Christian theology, we’ll discover how he navigates themes of fortune, happiness, and the nature of evil during his unjust imprisonment.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Boethius: Wisdom and Virtue in The Consolation of Philosophy
Date
Thursday 24th October 2024. 10am until 12noon
Venue
Jesmond Library, St George's Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2DL
Fee
£16 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
How can we ensure that artificial intelligence and technology advance ethically and responsibly in a rapidly evolving world? In this half-day course we will delve into Martin Heidegger's philosophy of technology, examining how it shapes our understanding of being. Then we'll spend some time in John Searle's ‘Chinese Room’ (thought experiment), challenging notions of artificial intelligence and consciousness. Let’s engage in lively discussions on ethics, existence, and the implications of AI in the modern world.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Artificial Minds: Navigating Ethics in the Age of AI
Humanism and Idealism: Erasmus, More, and the Quest for Utopia
Date
Friday 25th October 2024. 10am until 12noon
Venue
Stricklandgate House, 92 Stricklandgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4PU
Fee
£16 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
How can individual moral responsibility and a personal relationship with God lead to societal reform and spiritual renewal? What constitutes an ideal society, and how can we critique and improve upon existing social and political structures to achieve a more just and equitable world? In this half day course, the second of four in our exploration of Renaissance thought, we’ll discuss the responses of Desiderius Erasmus and Thomas More to these questions. Discover how these thinkers challenged societal norms, promoted education, and envisioned ideal societies amidst the intellectual ferment of the Renaissance period.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Embracing Forgiveness: Liberating the Soul on the Path to Fulfilment [day course]
Date
Saturday 26th October 2024. 10am until 3pm
Venue
Dilston Physic Garden, Corbridge, Northumberland, NE45 5QZ
Fee
£40 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
Step into a nurturing exploration of forgiveness, a journey of liberation and healing. Join a circle of seekers as we unravel the transformative power of forgiveness through Nelson Mandela's legacy and the Old Testament tale of ‘Joseph and His Brothers’. Meditate, reflect by the pond, engage in a forgiveness ceremony, and discover the profound connection between forgiveness and the path to inner fulfilment. This comprehensive day course weaves diverse perspectives and personal narratives, fostering a deep connection between forgiveness and the journey towards fulfilment.
Booking
To book a place on this discussion group, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Date
Saturday 2nd November 2024. 10am until 12noon
Venue
Morton Manor Community Centre, Wigton Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA2 6JP
Fee
£16 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
How can we ensure that artificial intelligence and technology advance ethically and responsibly in a rapidly evolving world? In this half-day course we will delve into Martin Heidegger's philosophy of technology, examining how it shapes our understanding of being. Then we'll spend some time in John Searle's ‘Chinese Room’ (thought experiment), challenging notions of artificial intelligence and consciousness. Let’s engage in lively discussions on ethics, existence, and the implications of AI in the modern world.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Artificial Minds: Navigating Ethics in the Age of AI
Date
Friday 8th November 2024. 2pm until 4pm
Venue
Higham Hall, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9SH
Fee
£18 each or £32 for 2 [including refreshments]
Description
Ever contemplated the profound essence of simplicity? Can Thoreau’s retreat to Walden Pond unveil the secrets of a meaningful, uncluttered life in the midst of nature? How does Emrys Westacott’s philosophy navigate the intricacies of modernity, offering insights into embracing simplicity amidst the complexities of a technology-driven world? Join us for ‘A Philosopher’s Guide to Simplicity,’ where these questions unravel the philosophies of Thoreau and Westacott, guiding us toward a more intentional and uncomplicated existence.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to trybooking, ring Higham Hall on 017687 76276 or email admin@highamhall.com
Talk & Tea: A Philosopher's Guide to Simplicity
Date
Thursday 14th November 2024. 10am until 12noon
Venue
Jesmond Library, St George's Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2DL
Fee
£16 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
What does it mean to preserve cultural identity in a rapidly globalizing world? In this half-day course we delve into Roger Scruton's reflections on cultural heritage in his book England: An Elegy, then we’ll look at the world though John Rawls' ‘Veil of Ignorance’ (thought experiment). We’ll engage in lively discussions to dissect opposing viewpoints, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of cultural globalization in today's interconnected world.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Philosophy of Globalization: Cultural Identity in a Connected World
Existential Explorations: The Philosophy and Literature of Simone de Beauvoir [day course]
Date
Saturday 16th November 2024. 10.30am until 3.30pm
Venue
The Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS
Fees
£65 | Members £55 | Concessions £20
Description
Embark on a day of intellectual exploration into the works of Simone de Beauvoir, the influential French writer and philosopher. This course intertwines her novel The Mandarins with her philosophical treatise The Ethics of Ambiguity. We will delve into themes of authenticity and selfhood, ethical responsibility, and the inherent ambiguity and uncertainty of human existence, as we engage in insightful discussions and critical analysis.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you directly to the relevant page of the HLSI's website, or you can ring the HLSI on 020 8340 3343.
Existential Explorations: The Philosophy and Literature of Jean-Paul Sartre [day course]
Date
Sunday 17th November 2024. 10.30am until 3.30pm
Venue
The Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove, Highgate, London N6 6BS
Fees
£65 | Members £55 | Concessions £20
Description
Join us for a day of exploration into the philosophy and literature of Jean-Paul Sartre. Through an in-depth exploration of the novel Nausea and the lecture Existentialism & Humanism, we will delve into existentialist themes of freedom, responsibility, and authenticity. Discover applications of Sartre’s ideas in everyday life through immersive discussions and activities. Engage in thought-provoking conversations and self-reflection in a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you directly to the relevant page of the HLSI's website, or you can ring the HLSI on 020 8340 3343.
Exploring Time and Mortality in James Joyce [day course]
Date
Tuesday 19th November 2024. 10am until 3pm.
Venue
Guildford Institute, Ward Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4LH
Fees
£42.50 | Concessions £40 | Members £35
Description
Join us for a journey into the profound themes of mortality and the passage of time as depicted in the works of James Joyce. In this immersive course, we will delve into two masterpieces of Joyce’s literature: the captivating chapter ‘Hades’ from his magnum opus Ulysses and the poignant short story ‘An Encounter’ from his short story collection Dubliners.
N.B. There will be a 1-hour break for lunch.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you directly to the relevant page of the Guildford Institute's website, or you can ring the Guildford Institute on 01483 562142.
Date
Saturday 30th November 2024. 2pm until 4pm
Venue
The Cheviot Centre, Padgepool Place, Wooler, Northumberland, NE71 6BL
Fee
£16 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
How can faith and reason work together to understand and demonstrate the existence and nature of God? In this half day course, the second of four in our exploration of Medieval thought, we’ll discuss the responses of St. Anselm and St. Thomas Aquinas to this question. We’ll delve into Anselm's ontological argument and Aquinas’s Five Ways to demonstrate God's existence, and examine their attempts to reconcile faith with reason, whilst also recognising their enduring impact on Western thought and theological discourse.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Anselm and Aquinas: Navigating Faith and Reason
Self-Exploration and Skepticism: The Essays of Montaigne
Date
Friday 21st March 2025. 10am until 12noon
Venue
Stricklandgate House, 92 Stricklandgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4PU
Fee
£16 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
In a world where certainty is elusive and the boundaries of human knowledge are constantly challenged, how do we grapple with the complexities of existence and seek understanding amidst the inherent uncertainties of life? In this half day course, the third of four in our exploration of Renaissance thought, we’ll discuss some of Montaigne’s responses to this question. We’ll delve into Montaigne's life, his philosophy of skepticism and individualism, and discover how his ideas shaped the intellectual currents of the Renaissance period.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Date
Saturday 22nd March 2025. 10am until 4pm
Venue
Morton Manor Community Centre, Wigton Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA2 6JP
Fee
£48 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
Join us for a day of exploration into the philosophy and literature of Jean-Paul Sartre. Through an in-depth exploration of the novel Nausea and the lecture Existentialism & Humanism, we will delve into existentialist themes of freedom, responsibility, and authenticity. Discover applications of Sartre’s ideas in everyday life through immersive discussions and activities. Engage in thought-provoking conversations and self-reflection in a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Existential Explorations: The Philosophy and Literature of Jean-Paul Sartre [day course]
Philosophy and Nature: Deep Ecology [three night course]
Dates
Starts 6.30pm on Tuesday 25th March 2025.
Ends 1.30pm on Friday 28th March 2025.
Venue
Higham Hall, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9SH
Fees
Residential £410 | Non-residential £285
Description
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu. This course will take a gently philosophical approach to the relationship between humanity and nature. Exploring the thought-provoking ideas of Arne Naess and ‘Deep Ecology’, Henry David Thoreau’s ‘Walden’ and the Daoist worldview of harmony with nature, we will consider how these concepts might be applied to modern challenges. Through discussion, contemplative writing and meditative walking, we will seek to foster a deeper connection with the natural world.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either ring Higham Hall on 017687 76276 or email admin@highamhall.com
Date
Saturday 5th April 2025. 2pm until 4pm
Venue
The Cheviot Centre, Padgepool Place, Wooler, Northumberland, NE71 6BL
Fee
£16 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
How can the soul come to realize the divine essence within itself? How can one nurture a deep trust in the boundless love and goodness of the divine amid life's challenges? In this half day course, the third of four in our exploration of Medieval thought, we’ll discuss the responses of Meister Eckhart and Julian of Norwich to these questions. We’ll delve into their profound spiritual philosophies that emphasize direct experience of God, divine love, and the inner transformation of the soul.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Mystical Insights: Meister Eckhart and Julian of Norwich
Science and Philosophy: Bacon, Galileo, and the Birth of Modern Thought
Date
Friday 27th June 2025. 10am until 12noon
Venue
Stricklandgate House, 92 Stricklandgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4PU
Fee
£16 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
How can empirical observation and systematic experimentation lead us to a deeper understanding of the natural world and improve human knowledge? How can mathematical reasoning and empirical evidence help us uncover the fundamental laws governing the cosmos and challenge established beliefs about the universe? In this half day course, the fourth and final in our exploration of Renaissance thought, we’ll discuss the responses of Francis Bacon and Galileo Galilei to these questions. We’ll uncover how their revolutionary ideas shaped the birth of modern thought.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Date
Saturday 19th July 2025. 2pm until 4pm
Venue
The Cheviot Centre, Padgepool Place, Wooler, Northumberland, NE71 6BL
Fee
£16 [or pay what you can afford]
Description
What assumptions can be eliminated to arrive at the simplest explanation of a phenomenon? In this half day course, the fourth and final in our exploration of Medieval thought, we’ll discuss the response of William of Ockham to this question. In addition to uncovering exactly what Ockham did with his razor, the course will highlight how his emphasis on empirical observation and individual reasoning laid the groundwork for the intellectual transition from the Medieval period to the Renaissance.
Booking
To book a place on this course, you can either use the 'Book' button to take you to eventbrite, or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com
Ockham's Razor: A Philosophy of Simplicity
